Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate in Makerfield by-election

Andy Burnham put out a rousing campaign video yesterday

Andy Burnham is one step closer to returning to Parliament after he was confirmed as Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election.

Labour’s governing body chose the Greater Manchester Mayor and did not shortlist anyone else.

Burnham now faces a political fight to win over voters in Makerfield, where Reform are expected to attract significant support.

Former minister Josh Simons quit as the area’s MP to allow Burnham a route back to Westminster so he can challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour party.

The by-election is likely to be scheduled for June 18.

Reform announced their candidate this afternoon as self-employed plumber Robert Kenyon.

He ran in the 2024 election and finished in second place in the Greater Manchester constituency, 5,000 votes behind Labour.

However Labour suffered catastrophic losses in the local elections in Wigan council, which covers much of Makerfield.

Reform picked up 24 out of 25 seats contested on May 7.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.

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