The Makerfield byelection, scheduled to take place on 16 June, has become a high-stakes contest for Labour, with many of the party's MPs describing it as an existential fight. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue, who stepped down due to ill health.
According to local Labour MPs who returned to the constituency's doorsteps in Hindley Green and Winstanley after an intensive local election campaign, the fight for Makerfield feels like a direct presidential-style contest, with Andy Burnham, the region's Mayor, at the forefront. The byelection has sparked concerns that Labour's electoral problems may be more severe than previously thought, with many of the party's MPs describing the fight as existential.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has faced criticism over his handling of the party's electoral fortunes, with some MPs suggesting that his leadership is not enough to address the party's woes. A Labour loss in Makerfield may signal that Starmer's strategy is not yielding the desired results, and that the party's electoral problems run deeper than his leadership.
Speaking to local Labour activists, several MPs expressed concerns that the party's electoral problems may be more complex than initially thought. 'If Andy Burnham, one of our most popular politicians, cannot win this seat, it's a worrying sign for the party's electoral prospects,' said one Labour MP, who wished to remain anonymous.
The Makerfield byelection has also sparked debate within the Labour Party about the role of the leader in electoral contests. While some MPs believe that Starmer's leadership is crucial in winning elections, others argue that the party's electoral problems are more complex and require a more nuanced approach.
In response to the concerns, a Labour spokesperson said that the party is 'confident' of winning the byelection and that the party's electoral problems are 'well-documented'. The spokesperson added that Labour is 'committed to addressing' the party's electoral woes and that the party's leadership is 'working closely with local activists' to ensure a victory in Makerfield.