What does Makerfield make of Andy Burnham?

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the Makerfield by-election and Andy Burnham's potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership.

The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics. If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge. Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss. READ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despair https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-street LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱 Download the New Statesman app MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN: ❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday ⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning ✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Tom McTague

Guests: Scarlett Maguire, Ailbhe Rea

Topics covered

• by-election
• British politics
• Keir Starmer
• polling
• political challenge

Keywords

• Makerfield
• Andy Burnham
• Keir Starmer
• by-election
• polling expert

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reform, The New Statesman

Places: Makerfield

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