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Future of UK's Starmer Hangs on Crucial by-Election
Keir Starmer says Burnham can win as two new polls put Labour ahead, while the result could trigger a leadership challenge.
- On Thursday, June 18, 2026, voters in Makerfield head to the polls in a high-stakes by-election, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham facing Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.
- The vacancy was triggered after sitting MP Josh Simons resigned to allow Burnham to return to Westminster, widely viewed as his first step toward challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Recent polls show Burnham holds a five-point lead over Kenyon, though controversy over unearthed social media posts led commentator Carol Vorderman to call him a 'little coward.'
- If Burnham wins, he intends to launch a leadership challenge against Starmer, who faces mounting pressure and declining popularity since the 2024 general election.
- Beyond the local result, the by-election underscores Reform UK's gains in the 'Red Wall,' where the party has capitalized on local grievances to challenge Labour's traditional northern strongholds.
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The current mayor of Grand Manchester is the great favourite to replace the British Prime Minister, but he must first become an MP to hope to settle on Downing Street.
·Paris, France
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Associated Press News+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
A special election in the UK could hasten the rise of Andy Burnham and the end for Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer's future as Britain's prime minister is on the line in a special election in Makerfield in northwest England.
·New York, United States
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Why a by-election in northwest England could decide Keir Starmer's future
Britain holds a crucial by-election today. The vote could trigger a leadership challenge against Labour's Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham, a popular mayor, aims to win the seat to run for party leader. If he wins, Starmer's position becomes precarious. The outcome rests with voters in the Makerfield constituency. A result is expected early Friday.
·India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources40
Leaning Left16Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Left
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Left
59% Left
L 59%
C 30%
11%
Factuality
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