Andy Burnham is no stranger to Labour leadership contests.
More than 10 years ago he ran twice, unsuccessfully, for the top job.
Now he’s backed by many Labour MPs as the party’s best chance of recovery, after months of languishing in the polls and a devastating set of election results in May.
Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election saw him hold off a challenge from Reform UK, which came second but more than 9,000 votes behind Labour.
It also saw the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor increase Labour’s share of the vote from 45% at the 2024 general election to almost 55%.
Beyond the numbers, Burnham’s victory ensured he cleared a major obstacle to any leadership challenge as those wanting to stand in a contest need to be an MP.
Before polling day, Burnham said he would seek to enter any potential leadership contest to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should he win in Makerfield.
