Labour’s Andy Burnham’s special election win could spell doom for Starmer as prime minister

Published Updated



Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a special election in the United Kingdom on Thursday. The Labour Party candidate defeated Rob Kenyon of the Reform U.K. party to return to Parliament in the seat for Makerfield, a small area in Greater Manchester county in northwest England. He received 24,927 votes to Kenyon’s 15,696, earning 54.8% of all votes. 

The win could spell political doom for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, putting Burnham on a path for a political clash with the immensely unpopular prime minister. Given Starmer’s political vulnerability, Burnham hinted at further political ambitions in his victory speech on Thursday.

Full midterm coverage.Deeper analysis.

Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's reporting, expert analysis, and coverage of the midterm elections.

Get Unlimited Access

Cancel anytime.