Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlbert TothFriday 19 June 2026 07:04 BSTAnalysis: Landslide victory for Burnham in by-election for the history booksAndy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, marking his return to Westminster and positioning him as a potential future leader of the Labour Party.He has confirmed his intention to challenge Sir Keir Starmer in any upcoming Labour leadership election, presenting his by-election campaign as a mandate to "change Labour" and lead the country.Burnham's political vision, dubbed 'Manchesterism', advocates for greater devolution of power and funding to regional leaders, alongside the nationalisation of key public services like transport, energy, and water.On economic policy, he supports Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules and Labour's pledge against raising income tax, VAT, or national insurance, while also considering a windfall tax on energy firms and a tax on private equity bonuses.He has said that he will not pursue rejoining the European Union, arguing that the UK should avoid re-running past Brexit debates and instead focus on national issues.In fullAndy Burnham has said he wants to be the next Labour leader – here’s what that could mean for BritainThank 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