Andy Burnham has announced plans to seek permission to stand in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, a move that could pave the way for his return to Westminster and position him as a
potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Burnham confirmed the decision in a post on X on Thursday, saying he would ask Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for approval to contest the seat after another Labour MP stepped down.
The Greater Manchester mayor said the challenges facing working people across Britain could no longer be solved solely through regional government.
“There is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester,” Burnham wrote. “Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again.”
He added that he wanted to bring the policies and reforms introduced in Greater Manchester to the national stage, arguing that politics must “work properly for people” once again.
Burnham has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and has become one of Labour’s most recognisable regional leaders. During his tenure, he gained national attention for his outspoken stance on transport reform, housing, policing, and social inequality. He also emerged as a prominent critic of the Conservative government’s handling of regional funding during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before becoming mayor, Burnham held several senior cabinet positions under previous Labour governments, including Health Secretary and Culture Secretary. He also ran twice for the Labour leadership, building a reputation as a figure associated with the party’s traditional working-class base in northern England.
His possible return to Parliament is likely to fuel speculation about Labour’s future direction and could create tensions within the party leadership, particularly as Burnham has at times positioned himself as an independent voice on issues affecting northern communities.
The Makerfield by-election is expected to attract significant political attention, with Burnham’s candidacy potentially reshaping Labour’s internal dynamics ahead of the next general election. Photo by NHS Confederation, Wikimedia commons.
