Byelection victory for 'king in the north': Andy Burnham could become Britain's next prime minister
Labour politician Andy Burnham, known as the 'king of the north', has won a resounding victory in the Makerfield byelection, boosting his chances of becoming the UK's next prime minister.
British politics may be on the verge of a major shake-up. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and a Labour MP candidate, has won a decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection, securing a path back to Westminster and a potential challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Burnham took 55% of the vote, compared to 35% for the right-wing populist Reform UK, nearly doubling the majority of his predecessor. The result was far more comfortable than pundits had predicted, with many expecting a close race.
In his victory speech, Burnham made little secret of his ambitions for the top job. He said the result was a 'final chance to change' and promised to build a country that works for everyone, especially those left behind by Westminster.
Burnham is a seasoned politician who served as a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown before leaving Parliament in 2016 to become mayor of Manchester. In this role, he reinvented himself, earning the nickname 'king of the north' for his strong advocacy for the region.
His personal style has also evolved. Gone are the sharp suits; he now favors T-shirts and bomber jackets, and uses social media to communicate directly with voters. This contrasts sharply with Starmer's more cautious approach.
To trigger a leadership contest, Burnham needs the support of 80 Labour MPs. If he succeeds, the party's annual conference in Liverpool in October could become a coronation. However, critics warn that his people-pleasing tendencies might be a liability in the highest office.
