Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester,told voters on the eve of the Makerfield by‑election that leaving the EU has been "damaging" but that he still respects the 2016 referendum result. He framed his appeal around national unity and warned against re‑opening the Brexit debate, even as the Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, gains traction in the traditionally Labour‑leaning seat.

Burnham calls Brexit "damaging" but respects referendum result

Speaking at a campaign event, Burnham said, "My view is that Brexit has been damaging,but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is re‑run those arguments." He added that constantly arguing about the split would leave Britain in a "permanent rut" and that unity was needed for any future change. The mayor emphasized that he is not proposing a re‑entry to the EU, noting, "I respect the decision that was made at the referendum and it will undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don’t respect that vote." This stance mirrors comments he made at last year’s Labour conference, where he expressed a personal hope to see the UK rejoin the bloc in his lifetime.

Makerfield by‑election set for June 18 pits Burnham against Reform Party

The contest in the Makerfield constituency, scheduled for June 18, will see Burnham trying to hold the seat for Labour while the Reform Party, buoyed by recent polling, seeks to capture it. Outgoing MP Josh Simons formally resigned this morning, triggering the by‑election. Burnham’s campaign has framed the race as a test of Labour’s ability to present a unified, north‑focused alternative to the Conservative‑led government.

Polls show Reform Party ahead despite Burnham’s north‑south funding argument

Recent surveys cited by local media indicate that the Reform Party is leading Burnham, with some polls suggesting a margin that could be "worse than 50‑50" for Labour. Burnham argued that the North should receive more funding at the expense of the South, claiming the current system has favoured the South for four decades. However, the polling data suggests that voters remain skeptical of Labour’s promises, especially after Burnham’s earlier criticism of "neoliberalism" and "trickle‑down" economics.

Uncertainty over Labour’s chances in Makerfield

Analysts note that the by‑election could have broader implications for Keir Starmer’s leadership, as a loss might embolden internal critics. sir Keir himself responded to the challenge by asserting his intention to remain Prime Minister into the 2030s, while dismissing Burnham’s political acumen as "the political sense of a gnat." The outcome remains unclear, with the Reform Party’s surge and Burnham’s nuanced Brexit stance leaving Labour’s path forward in the constituency uncertain.

Who will decide the north‑south funding debate?

The core question for voters is whether Burnham’s promise of redirected funding will outweigh the Reform Party’s appeal to Brexit‑supporting voters. as the campaign intensifies, both sides will need to convince a skeptical electorate that their vision offers a realistic route out of the economic and social challenges that have followed de‑industrialisation, deregulation, privatisation and austerity.