LONDON — A by-election in which Keir Starmer’s rival Andy Burnham could win a parliamentary seat will be held on June 18.
Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham needs to become an MP if he is to challenge Starmer for the leadership of Britain’s ruling Labour Party. He said in a weekend interview he wants to “campaign to change Labour” in Makerfield.
The by-election was triggered after former minister Josh Simons stood down as a Labour MP to create a path for Burnham to return to Westminster. Wigan Council published the notice of election confirming the date on Wednesday.
Burnham has already been confirmed as Labour’s candidate after no other candidates were shortlisted for the seat.
His main rival will be Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who stood in the seat at the last general election. Leader Nigel Farage has promised to pump in resources to try and upset the race.