Andy Burnham's landslide byelection victory in Makerfield was not solely due to Labour loyalists. Instead, a coalition of voters from the left, centre, and even the right united behind him at the ballot box.
A Broad Coalition
Burnham secured a majority of 9,231 votes over Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, larger than his predecessor's margin. Labour won 55% of the vote, Reform UK 35%, and the hard-right Restore Britain party 7%. Turnout was 59%, up six points from the general election, with 45,510 votes cast. The Liberal Democrats and Green party ran subdued campaigns, allowing Labour to absorb a broad range of voters, while the rightwing vote split between Reform UK and Restore Britain.
Pollster Peter Kellner noted, "Two years ago, the Liberal Democrat and Green candidates won 11% of the Makerfield vote. Yesterday they won just 1%, setting new records for vote-shedding while they helped ensure Burnham beat Kenyon."
Voices from the Constituency
At Orrell waterpark, three friends—Mal (64), Peta (48), and Barb (64)—said they usually support the Green party but backed Burnham, believing he had the best chance of defeating "divisive" rightwing politics. Mal, a former social worker, expressed anger at the immigration-focused campaigns of Reform and Restore in a constituency that is 95% white British. "It's nothing to do with migrants—they're the people treating us in hospital. Reform are causing so many problems," he said.
Peta described the byelection as hugely divisive, "between family, neighbours, people you speak to in the street." Barb hoped the area could reunite, noting many Reform and Restore activists came from outside the area.
Support from the Right
Some of Burnham's borrowed supporters came from the right, including past Reform UK voters. Joseph, 50, a heavy goods driver, voted for Reform's Kenyon in the 2024 election but switched to Burnham. "I'm not a Labour fan but I like Burnham. I think this is bigger than just us here. I voted for him because he's the best chance we have," he said.
Ellen, 63, said her fondness for Nigel Farage had waned over the past year, and she was eager to stop Reform from winning. "I don't trust him anymore. I don't like the stuff he said about women. I'm not pro-Labour but I was happy to vote for Burnham," she said.
Amber, 37, one of only 308 voters for Green candidate Sarah Wakefield, considered backing Burnham. "I live on a very pro-Burnham street. I was tempted and I'm glad he won. I know other people who usually vote Green who backed him," she said.
