Housing Secretary Backs Andy Burnham Bid for Makerfield By-Election

The Housing Secretary has backed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's bid to stand in the Makerfield by-election and called for the vote to be held as quickly as possible. Speaking to GB News, the Housing Secretary delivered his verdict on the decision and threw his support behind Burnham. The minister set out a timetable for when the election should take place.

Pressed on the likelihood of approval by the National Executive Committee, the Housing Secretary said he did not know what would happen. He noted that the NEC takes decisions about candidates who want to stand down from an existing job to run for a different one. " — Housing Secretary (GB News) The Housing Secretary added that permission would be needed because it would trigger a by-election.

He said in the end it would be the public who choose their next MP. He told GB News that it would be Labour Party members in Makerfield who choose their own candidate. The minister was also asked whether he believes Burnham is the answer to Labour's problems.

The Housing Secretary responded by saying the Prime Minister of the day crystallises the public's frustration with the state of the economy, high streets and public services. He said the way to address this is to deliver the change the public wants to see, including more money in people's pockets.

He added that simply changing the Prime Minister, as seen under the Conservatives, does not solve the underlying problems.

The Housing Secretary highlighted that the by-election could be pushed back until after summer recess. He told GB News that his view is that by-elections should be held as quickly as possible because people in Makerfield are not being represented in Parliament while the process is delayed.

The Housing Secretary was asked for his reaction to the resignation of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting from the Cabinet.

He said he had mixed emotions. "First of all, I felt very sad that Wes had decided to stand down.

The move would require approval from the party's National Executive Committee before a by-election can be called. Local voters in Makerfield would ultimately select the candidate through the party's internal process. The timing of the vote remains subject to party decisions.