The kingmakers of Makerfield: English town braces for crucial by-election
Summary
A by-election on June 18 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a town near Manchester, could influence the future leadership of the United Kingdom. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, is contesting the seat after the previous Labour MP resigned, facing competition from the Reform UK party.Key Facts
- The Labour Party MP Josh Simons resigned in late February, leaving the Ashton-in-Makerfield seat vacant.
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is running in the by-election to fill the seat.
- If Burnham wins, he could challenge current Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
- The Reform UK party is competing strongly to stop Burnham from winning.
- Makerfield has been a Labour seat since 1983 but recently saw Reform win all local council seats.
- Voters in Makerfield are seen as unpredictable due to the area’s mix of urban and industrial characteristics.
- Burnham is popular as Manchester’s mayor and has won three re-elections.
- Some local voters want change and are open to voting for Reform as a rejection of the establishment.
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