Andy Burnham Makerfield victory speech as he sends message to Starmer | Politics | News
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield election and is set to unseat Starmer as leader as he returns to the House of Commons.
Mr Burnham’s victory accelerates his bid to replace the Labor leader in the coming days, with a meeting planned for this weekend.
Burnham’s speech was stolen by other candidates, which saw her walk off stage.
Returning to the stage after winning one of the most important by-elections in British political history, Burnham said: “First of all, I can thank everyone who made this election run so smoothly and safely.
Newly elected Makerfield MP Andy Burnham also thanked his fellow candidates for the “civil debate”.
“Everyone knows that politics is not working, everyone can feel that the country is not where it should be,” he added.
“Tonight could be a turning point, it could be.
“From now on, I will give everything I have to achieve this, to ensure that the name Makerfield will forever be synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs, bringing back something we have lost. Hope. Hope for the future.”
“I am proud that this place has been in the global spotlight for the last five weeks and the warmth, humor and hospitality of its people have been on display for all to see.
“This will never be a stepping stone for me; instead it will be my milestone, a Makerfield test.
“The places at the heart of British politics, neglected by Westminster, will now receive justice.”
Burnham added: “I promise to lead by example.
“I will focus on problem-solving rather than scoring points, and after this by-election I will work hard to heal the divisions in this campaign and make sure it is truly understood that no matter how many votes you vote for, I will be your MP.”
Burnham’s speech was played before she returned to the podium (Image: Getty)
The newly elected Makerfield MP continued: “This borough screamed loudly for change when it went to the polls in May and we have begun to respond to that in this campaign.
“But here’s what I say directly to me on the hundreds of doorsteps where I stand: We have to hear this, we have to act on it, and we have to do it right.
“There will be no second chances, but based on tonight’s result, now is a chance to build a new politics based on unity and hope, away from the path that has led us to the kind of divided, dark politics we see in the United States.
“We must now follow this path and get this country back on the right track, bring people together again and make things work properly again.”
He added that there was “some sadness” that he would be stepping down as mayor when he returned to Westminster.
Burnham concluded his speech as follows: “This outcome will result in a country that works fairly for everyone, everywhere.
“People here voted for change. They voted for the North to have more power and for all the places Westminster has forgotten. They voted for hope.
“Now let’s give it back to them.”
Burnham received 24,927 votes to 15,696 for Reform.
The result is no surprise as Labor MPs have represented this part of Greater Manchester for 120 years.
Reform’s Robert Kenyon was the main threat to Mr Burnham’s plan for a return to Westminster following the party’s success in national polls and winning council seats in his constituency last month.
Mr Kenyon said before the result that he was “confident of getting a big vote for Reform”.
Burnham began her speech by thanking organizers and voters (Image: Getty)
The Makerfield by-election was triggered by Mr Simons resigning to give Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham the chance to run for a seat at Westminster and become prime minister to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham said the Makerfield campaign was “a vote to change politics” and vowed to “take this fight as high as possible”.
He has vowed to enter any leadership contest when he returns to Westminster, but his supporters hope he will resign rather than fight to save Sir Keir’s premiership.
Mr Burnham and his allies are reportedly hoping for a “coronation” with Sir Keir stepping aside rather than a contest, as it is thought it could damage the party.
But the Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted he has no intention of leaving Number 10.
With the support of a group of private donors, he has amassed a war chest to fund his campaign against any leadership challenge, sources said, with fundraising soaring in the last two days and total pledges reaching six figures.
