Andy Burnham wins UK parliament seat, setting up potential challenge to PM Starmer

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a by-election in the Makerfield constituency, returning to the UK Parliament. This victory is widely seen as clearing a path for him to challenge Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

Burnham's win has sparked speculation about a leadership bid, with some commentators noting that anti-Starmer votes may have contributed to the result. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, blamed his party's defeat in Makerfield on voters who opposed Starmer rather than supporting Burnham directly.