Burnham bids for Makerfield as Reform UK surges in Labour heartland

In what is described as potentially the most consequential by-election in living memory, Labour's Josh Simons has stepped down as MP for Makerfield less than two years into the job, clearing the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to contest the seat. Simons resigned following a scandal involving a commissioned report into the private lives and religious beliefs of Sunday Times journalists who had asked questions about his think-tank. The by-election comes at a precarious time for Labour, which lost almost 1,500 councillors in the 2026 local elections, with Reform UK winning 24 out of 25 seats in the Wigan borough and securing 50.4% of the vote in council wards covering the Makerfield constituency. Local voters interviewed in the area express growing support for Reform UK over Labour, citing concerns about immigration, benefits, and the cost of living. The seat, held by Labour since its creation in 1983, was won by Simons with a majority of just over 5,000 at the 2024 general election. Nigel Farage has pledged to 'throw everything' at the seat, while Burnham's return to the Commons could fuel a potential leadership challenge against Keir Starmer in summer 2026.