Andy Burnham's Ambitions: From 'King of the North' to PM?

WHO:

ABC News Business - Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and is sometimes referred to as England's "King of the North."

Newser - Burnham is running against Robert Kenyon from Reform UK in the electoral district of Makersfield.

WHAT:

Newser - If Burnham wins the electoral district of 100,000, he plans to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, which could change the occupant of 10 Downing Street without a general election.

Newser - Starmer has stated he will offer Burnham a cabinet position in the Labour government if he is successful in the election, providing him "a big part in the Labour government."

Newser - Burnham aims to return to Parliament and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he wins the election.

Newser - Polls indicate Burnham is comfortably ahead of Kenyon in the special election.

Newser - Burnham has pledged not to increase income tax, a promise critics label as unrealistic.

WHERE:

Newser - The election is taking place in Makersfield, a post-industrial area in northwest England.

Newser - The demographic of Makersfield is described as 97% white, older, and poorer.

WHEN:

Newser - The election in Makersfield is scheduled for Thursday.

WHY:

Newser - Public dissatisfaction with Starmer is highlighted by a quote from an Ashton-in-Makerfield shopkeeper: "Everything is just about broken and we need a change."

Newser - Burnham is positioning himself as a local-born reformer to address economic and political issues in a cash-strapped country.

Newser - Starmer's low approval ratings and public dissatisfaction are contributing factors to Burnham's ambitions.

HOW:

Newser - Burnham is positioning himself as a listening, local-born reformer promising shifts on the economy, services, and politics while maintaining a pledge not to hike income tax.

Newser - Starmer has offered Burnham a cabinet position in the Labour government if he is successful in the election.

(UPDATED June 19, 2026 14:15 UTC)

If Burnham secures the electoral district of 100,000, he intends to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, which could lead to a significant change at 10 Downing Street without the need for a general election. Starmer has indicated that he would offer Burnham a cabinet position in the Labour government if he wins, giving him a substantial role in the administration. Public dissatisfaction with Starmer is evident, as one shopkeeper from Ashton-in-Makerfield expressed that "everything is just about broken and we need a change," while Burnham is presenting himself as a local reformer focused on economic and political shifts without raising income tax.

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(UPDATED June 19, 2026 12:21 UTC)

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and often called England's "King of the North," is running against Robert Kenyon from Reform UK in the special election for Makersfield, where polls show Burnham comfortably ahead. If successful, Burnham aims to return to Parliament and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, while pledging not to increase income tax, a promise some critics deem unrealistic. The election is scheduled for Thursday, and Starmer has even offered Burnham a cabinet position in the Labour government should he win.