Polls open in Makerfield by-election as Andy Burnham bids to oust Keir Starmer as PM… but has to beat Reform first

The Sun ^ | June 18, 2026 | Douglas Simpson

[MinorityRepublican]

POLLS have opened in the crucial Makerfield by-election that could see Andy Burnham return to parliament to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham is standing for Labour in the constituency and is set for a hard fight against Reform UK‘s Robert Kenyon.

Polling stations opened at 7am this morning and will close at 10pm tonight ahead of the all important count.

A Burnham win followed by a victory in a subsequent leadership challenge could see the Labour government lurch to the left with Burnham in the top job.

Makerfield MP Josh Simons stood aside after Labour’s crushing results in the local elections – paving the way for Burnham to contest the seat and return to Westminster.

He however faces a tough challenge from Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, who arrived to vote in a white van while wearing an England shirt and flanked by Nigel Farage.

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TOPICS: United Kingdom
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[ProudDeplorable]

Who cares - They’re replacing one leftist with another.

[RandFan]

Yeah and it looks like he’ll succeed
thanks to a split vote !

[Republican Wildcat]

Unfortunately likely, due to the split vote.

[MinorityRepublican]

🚨NEW: Makerfield betting odds

(Implied chances of winning)

🌹 Labour: 85.73%
➡️ Reform UK: 11.79%
🦁 Restore Britain: 2.30%— GB Politics (@GBPolitcs) June 18, 2026

[Republican Wildcat]

We’ll see what the final numbers are...but if a split vote does in fact cause Labour’s victory here (which is about more than a mere seat - this is about making a far more popular politician Prime Minister) - “Restore Britain” will have given the Left a big shot in the arm.