Labour candidate Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on June 19, 2026, securing 54% of the votes cast [1].
The results serve as a critical indicator of party momentum in England and Scotland as the UK fills parliamentary vacancies. The outcome in Makerfield specifically tests the resilience of Labour against the rise of Reform UK in Northern England.
Burnham's victory came against a strong challenge from Robert Kenyon of Reform UK, who received 15,696 votes, representing approximately 34% of the ballots [2]. The final tally showed that Burnham beat Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes [3]. Following the announcement, Burnham said, "This could be the turning point for Labour."
While the Makerfield seat in Greater Manchester was decided, attention also turned to Scotland. Voters in Aberdeen and Arbroath went to the polls to choose new members of parliament [4]. These by-elections were triggered after previous MPs, including Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins, left the House of Commons to join the Scottish Parliament [5].
The Scottish National Party candidates in Aberdeen and Arbroath sought to retain these seats to maintain their influence in Westminster. The movement of representatives to Holyrood created a vacuum that various parties attempted to fill during the campaign period [4].
The Makerfield result reinforces Labour's hold on the region, despite the significant share of the vote captured by Reform UK. The margin of victory suggests a stable lead for Burnham, even as the political landscape in the North of England shifts toward more fragmented voting patterns [2, 3].
“"This could be the turning point for Labour."”
The victory for Labour in Makerfield demonstrates a continued ability to hold key English seats despite a notable surge in support for Reform UK. Simultaneously, the Scottish by-elections highlight the ongoing tension between national parliamentary representation and regional governance as the SNP navigates the transition of its members from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament.
