Starmer says he will campaign for Burnham in Makerfield

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will actively campaign for Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election on 18 June, despite Burnham being a potential rival for the Labour leadership. Starmer emphasized the need for unity within Labour, urging the party to "all pull together and fight" in the contest, which is seen as a direct battle between Labour and Reform UK. His decision to support Burnham’s campaign is notable given the ongoing leadership tensions within the party. The by-election in Makerfield, Greater Manchester, has attracted significant attention amid a turbulent period for Labour. Starmer’s leadership has faced internal challenges following poor election results, including losses in Wales and nearly 1,500 council seats in England. Several Labour MPs have called for his resignation, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned citing government "drift." Despite this, Starmer remains determined to lead, focusing on issues such as economic growth, NHS waiting list reductions, and lowered net migration as part of Labour’s campaign message. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has positioned himself as a candidate for change within Labour, advocating a shift away from what he describes as Britain’s "wrong path for 40 years." His campaign message contrasts with Starmer’s, highlighting a desire to reshape the party’s direction. Meanwhile, Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is aggressively contesting the seat with candidate Robert Kenyon, framing the election as a "David versus Goliath" battle and prioritizing social housing issues in the region. The Green Party is also involved, though it is currently searching for a new candidate after its initial nominee withdrew for personal reasons. The party intends to campaign against Reform UK’s influence in the by-election. The outcome of the Makerfield contest is expected to have broader implications for Labour’s internal dynamics and the political landscape in Greater Manchester.