Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is currently 20 points ahead of the Labour Party in the Makerfield by‑election, according to the latest poll. The surge comes as Burnham releases a targeted video blaming Margaret Thatcher’s legacy and positioning himself as a champion for the constituency. The race, once deemed a potential Reform stronghold, now hinges on whether Burnham can translate his regional popularity into a parliamentary win.

Polls Show Burnham Up 20 Points Over Labour

According to the source, a recent poll places Burnham 20 points ahead of the official Labour candidate, a margin that exceeds typical by‑election swings.. This lead reflects both his personal brand in Greater Manchester and a pereived advantage over the party’s national leadership.

Video Attack on Thatcher’s Legacy Targets Local Voters

The campaign’s new video , released by Burnham’s team, blames former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for Britain’s current economic woes and promises to reverse her policies. By focusing on “Manchesterism” and rejecting trickle‑down economics, Burnham aims to resonate with Makerfield’s working‑class electorate.

Reform Party’s ‘Tailor‑Made’ Seat Now in Play

At the start of the contest, analysts at More in Common warned that Makerfield was “tailor‑made” for the Reform political group. burnham’s surge forces Reform to reassess its ground game, as the by‑election could become a litmus test for the party’s broader ambitions.

Brexit Stance Becomes a Side‑Issue Amid Leadership Rivalry

Labour sources note that Wes Streeting, a leadership challenger, conitnues to push for a second EU referendum, a position backed by roughly nine‑in‑ten Labour members. However, Burnham has softened his earlier pro‑EU remarks, saying he now “respects” the 2016 referendum result, signaling a tactical shift to avoid alienating Brexit‑skeptical voters in Makerfield.

Who Will Challenge Sir Keir? Burnham’s Potential Leadership Bid

If Burnham wins the seat, he is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, turning the by‑election into a de‑facto contest for Labour’s future direction. The source suggests the internal battle could become a “close‑run fight” with Reform, adding another layer of complexity to the local race.