Who Is Andy Burnham, the Man Who Could Be Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

NYT World Friday 19 June 2026, 02:29 UTC By Stephen Castle 1 min read

Key Points

Andy Burnham, Labour’s most popular politician, arriving on Friday for the results announcement for the Makerfield by-election, in which he beat the populist right-wing Reform U.K. party.

Andy Burnham (PERSON) Britain (LOCATION) Next (ORG) Labour (ORG) Makerfield (PERSON) Reform U.K. (ORG)

Originally published by NYT World Read original →

Andy Burnham has won a special election to the British parliament, clearing a path for him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the party leadership. Burnham, Labour's former Greater Manchester mayor, defeated the Reform U.K. party by more than 9,000 votes, taking nearly 55% of the vote, in the election in Makerfield, in north-west England. He had vowed to challenge the beleaguered Starmer if he won the election.

CNBC 12m ago

Now the Labour civil war really begins

Now the Labour civil war really begins The leadership campaign of Britain’s Andy Burnham will now finally burst into the open — and Keir Starmer has a chilly reception awaiting the new MP By DAN BLOOMin ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England Andy Burnham makes a speech to supporters after winning the Makerfield by-election on June 19, 2026. | Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images Andy Burnham spent the last month running a hopey-changey campaign from a small town social club to become an MP. His allies...

Politico EU 15m ago

Democratic socialists surge in mayoral races across the country as anti-Trump fervor rises

Democratic socialists surge in mayoral races across the country as anti-Trump fervor rises Janeese Lewis George is making waves in Washington, D.C., with her progressive agenda as she aims for the mayor's office WASHINGTON -- As Janeese Lewis George paves a path to the mayor's office in Washington, D.C., she's told voters they could have it all. Her unapologetically expansive, left-wing agenda includes subsidized or even free childcare, increased down payment assistance for homebuyers and...

ABC News US 19m ago

Farnham sets out 'ambitious' vision for island

Chief minister-designate outlines his priorities for Jersey.

BBC Business 21m ago

Who Is Andy Burnham, the Man Who Could Be Britain’s Next Prime Minister?

Related Stories

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, opening path to challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Now the Labour civil war really begins

Democratic socialists surge in mayoral races across the country as anti-Trump fervor rises

Farnham sets out 'ambitious' vision for island