Burnham seeks parliamentary return as Green candidate withdraws from Makerfield contest
With the vote scheduled for 18 June, the by-election is framed by Downing Street as a straight fight between Labour and Reform, following the abrupt exit of the Green Party’s initial nominee.
Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign to secure the Labour nomination for the Makerfield by-election, marking his bid to return to parliament after a nine-year absence. The formal launch took place on 22 May 2026, with the former mayor of Greater Manchester pictured canvassing in the constituency earlier in the week ahead of the scheduled address at approximately 10.45 am.
The political landscape of the contest shifted significantly on the same day as the Green Party reopened its candidate selection process. Chris Kennedy withdrew from the ballot less than 12 hours after his initial announcement, citing personal and family reasons. Reports indicate that the decision followed pressure regarding social media posts Kennedy shared concerning an attack on Jewish ambulances in north London in April.
According to reporting by The Times, the newspaper had approached Kennedy regarding an Instagram video in which he described the arrests of two men over the incident as "total bullshit to keep the false flag flying". The Green Party has not yet announced a replacement candidate, leaving the selection process open as the election date approaches.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has moved to define the parameters of the upcoming vote, stating he would campaign in support of Burnham. Starmer described the contest as a straight fight between Labour and Reform, emphasising the need for the broader Labour movement to remain united in the campaign regardless of internal political dynamics.
Burnham’s return to Westminster is widely anticipated to reshape internal party dynamics, with speculation that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership if elected. The by-election vote is scheduled for 18 June, coinciding with a period of heightened fiscal scrutiny, as official figures revealed a £24.3bn deficit in UK government borrowing for April, the second-highest level for the month on record.