Nigel Farage Vows to 'Throw Everything' at Stopping Andy Burnham in Makerfield By-Election

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to dedicate maximum resources to opposing Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This contest arises after current MP Josh Simons resigned to facilitate Burnham’s return to the House of Commons, a strategic move intended to launch a challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Although Simons previously held the seat with a majority of over 5,000 votes, Makerfield is considered a key target for Reform UK in the North West. The political landscape is further destabilized by recent resignations within the Labour government, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and mounting pressure on Starmer following poor local election results. Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in her tax affairs, potentially positioning her for a leadership bid. Sources indicate that Starmer will not block Burnham’s candidacy, setting the stage for a significant internal Labour conflict and a high-stakes parliamentary battle against Farage’s Reform UK.