In a politically charged contest, Andy Burnham will face off against Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, set to take place on 18 June. This race, just outside Wigan, could have significant repercussions for the future of British politics, especially as Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, seeks to return to Westminster with a vision for transforming Labour’s national agenda.
A Local Showdown
Reform UK has positioned Kenyon, a local plumber and army reservist, as a grassroots candidate representing the community. The party is framing this byelection as a critical moment, pitting a “local champion” against what they describe as a career politician. Kenyon’s campaign is already under scrutiny, particularly regarding his past social media activity. Deleted posts on X suggest he has questioned vaccine efficacy and interacted with far-right figures, raising eyebrows and prompting inquiries from the Conservatives about his suspended account.
For his part, Burnham was selected by Labour’s national executive committee without any competition on the shortlist, signalling the party’s confidence in his candidacy. He has made it clear that he is eager to return to Parliament to advocate for areas like Makerfield that he believes have been overlooked. His recent statement expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted his commitment to addressing the needs of these neglected communities.
The Stakes are High
The byelection is shaping up to be a fierce contest, with both Labour and Reform emerging as frontrunners. Kenyon is capitalising on his local roots, having been born in Makerfield and previously serving as an NHS technician. His bid for the seat follows a close second place in the 2024 general election, where he trailed Labour’s Josh Simons by just over 5,000 votes. Simons recently announced he would step down to allow Burnham a chance to reclaim a seat in Westminster.
In a video released by Reform, Kenyon directly targeted Burnham, suggesting that he views Makerfield merely as a stepping stone for his political ambitions. “Labour and probably the other parties have got career politicians. They go to private school, to university, they get a job at a thinktank or they are an assistant to an MP and then before you know it they are parachuted into somewhere they have never even visited to stand as an MP,” Kenyon asserted, positioning himself as a candidate who truly understands the community.
Competing Forces
While Labour and Reform are the main contenders, the political landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. The far-right party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, has announced local businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd as its candidate, alongside the Greens, who are expected to declare their nominee shortly. The resulting competition on both ends of the political spectrum could complicate the dynamics of the byelection.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer, Labour leader, faces internal pressure following the resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary. Starmer’s leadership is under scrutiny, with some party members advocating for a change in direction. Mark Drakeford, the former Labour first minister of Wales, has openly called for Starmer to outline a timeline for a leadership transition, emphasising the need for fresh leadership to invigorate the party.
Why it Matters
The Makerfield byelection is more than just a contest for a parliamentary seat; it represents a potential turning point in British politics. With both major parties grappling for relevance in an increasingly fragmented political landscape, the outcome could set the tone for the next general election. Burnham’s ambitions for national leadership and Kenyon’s grassroots appeal reflect a broader narrative about trust, representation, and the future direction of the Labour party. The stakes are high, and the implications of this byelection will resonate far beyond Wigan.
