Burnham's resounding triumph in Makerfield has sparked a maelstrom of speculation about his potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, casting a shadow over the Prime Minister's resolve. The by-election result is being seen as a seismic shift in Labour's fortunes, with many within the party now questioning whether Starmer can lead the party to electoral success.
When pressed on whether he intended to become the next Prime Minister and his message for Keir Starmer, Burnham sidestepped direct questions from the press, fuelling further speculation about his intentions. Sky's political editor, Beth Rigby, tried to pin him down, but Burnham swiftly exited the scene, avoiding cameras and hinting at a deliberate attempt to give Starmer space to consider his position.
Burnham's campaign manager, Louise Haigh – a former Transport Secretary – moved quickly to clarify her boss's intentions. She stated that she hoped Starmer would 'reflect on the result here' and listen to senior party members, implying that the Prime Minister may be feeling the heat. When asked if Burnham had a leadership campaign prepared, Haigh gave a straightforward 'Yes', sparking concern among Labour MPs who fear a potential challenge.
Burnham's win in Makerfield was substantial, securing a majority of 9,231 votes – nearly doubling the majority held by his predecessor, Josh Simons, in the 2024 General Election. He secured 54% of the vote, around 20 percentage points ahead of Reform UK, despite that party's vote share increasing by 9.61% from the general election. This decisive outcome has convinced many of Burnham's supporters that a leadership contest is inevitable – with some even suggesting a 'coronation' rather than a prolonged battle.
In response to the victory, Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to portray it as a positive sign for Labour, despite facing renewed questions about his leadership. In interviews, he argued that the Makerfield result showed the 'tide is turning on Reform' and urged party members to 'pull together', drawing parallels with the previous Conservative government. However, his message was not universally well-received, with many questioning whether he can deliver electoral success.
The former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting – a potential rival for the leadership – also offered congratulations to Burnham on social media, suggesting that the victory offers hope for Labour but also underscores the need for change. This sentiment reflects growing concerns within the party that a shift in direction may be necessary to secure broader electoral success.