Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMike TaylorThursday 14 May 2026 19:24 BSTNEC member doesn't 'see how it's physically possible' for Burnham to enter leadership raceAndy Burnham has confirmed his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election following the resignation of Josh Simons, the current Labour MP for Makerfield, who stepped down to make way for Burnham.He criticised Westminster's “managed decline” of towns and the current political approach as insufficient; Simons acknowledged the personal difficulty of his decision, emphasising his commitment to political change.Sir Keir Starmer will not stop Burnham from becoming the Labour candidate in Makerfield, according to the BBC.“Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families,” an ally of the prime minister told the broadcaster.Burnham said he will be requesting the permission of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the by-election and aims to return to Parliament to address the cost-of-living crisis and make life more affordable across the UK.In fullStarmer latest: Burnham could stand in leadership race as path to Westminster emergesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in