UMVA has learned that a stunning upset has shaken the UK's political landscape, as Andy Burnham swept aside his Reform UK challenger Rob Kenyon in the Makerfield by-election.
The decisive victory marks a significant turnaround for Labour, with Burnham securing 24,927 votes (54.81%, +9.61%) and a 9,231 majority over his closest rival. The result is a remarkable 23-point swing in just six weeks, defying expectations and sending shockwaves through the political establishment.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the by-election saw an unusually high turnout of 58.7%, with 45,476 voters casting their ballots. This eclipsed the 2024 general election turnout, a rare feat for a by-election.
The results are being hailed as a major boost for Labour's flagging fortunes, with many MPs likely to see Burnham's victory as a beacon of hope. His success in repelling the Reform UK challenge, led by Rob Kenyon, will be seen as a significant vindication of Labour's campaign strategy.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Burnham's win is expected to embolden Labour MPs to persuade Keir Starmer to reconsider his leadership position. The new Makerfield representative is thought to be keen to avoid a bruising leadership battle with the Prime Minister, who has vowed to fight any challenge.
In a brief congratulatory message, Sir Keir Starmer appeared to acknowledge Burnham's victory, but his words were widely criticized as "miserable" and "grudging" by commentators. The development has set tongues wagging about the potential for a Labour leadership shake-up.
The Makerfield by-election result has sent a clear message: Labour's campaign of hope and optimism has resonated with voters, who have rejected the politics of division and hate. As the fallout from this stunning upset continues to unfold, one thing is certain – the UK's political landscape will never be the same again.
