Pollster Links Labour Leadership Outcome to Makerfield By-Election Result

A UK pollster stated that the result of the upcoming Makerfield by-election could affect the Labour Party leadership. New polling showed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham leading current leader Keir Starmer among party members.

YouGov polling found that 47 per cent of Labour members would choose Andy Burnham as party leader. Keir Starmer received 31 per cent support in the same survey. Two-thirds of members said they believe Keir Starmer should stand down before the next general election in 2029.

Curtice told GB News that there is still a degree of regard for Keir Starmer among the membership. He said only a third of members think Keir Starmer should stand down immediately. Sir John Curtice said he has no doubt that Andy Burnham could receive the 81 nominations needed to challenge for the leadership.

He added that a loss by Andy Burnham in Makerfield could continue the ongoing leadership situation within the Labour Party. The pollster described the circumstances of the by-election as remarkable. He noted that the nearest comparable situation occurred in a 1963 by-election in Perthshire.

Sir John Curtice said the only reason Labour might win the Makerfield by-election is the known personal popularity of Andy Burnham. He pointed out that Burnham received 63 per cent of the vote in the Manchester mayoral election before the general election.