Makerfield. I wonder how it’s going!

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I suppose if Burnham does win (as forecast) then a leadership challenge will well and truly be on the cards. Maybe with a GE soon to settle the Labour chaos?

No, it won't be so dramatic, sorry, put away the popcorn.

Remember, first of all there will be an election for a mayor, and that will keep us in the Labour Party and all others busy. Reform will make a pitch for that and may even want it. then, there will be lots of internal chat as to if others will want to put themselves forward. Hurrying will help no one, and we are well aware of that as will Burnham.

There are major events affecting our county - ie the consequences of the war that Trump so stupidly started, that will go on affecting us all.

It's the press - and clearly the right as displayed here - want huge dramatic contests as in tomorrow - we don't, in the Labour Party: except for a few hotheads, we still value Starmer's international contributions, and if we want a change, an orderly one. and with our rules as regarding leadership contests, it takes a good deal of time.

We are not actually "in chaos". Sorry to disappoint.

The Guardian has a good "minute by minute" report soon the day (giving the guardian as accessible, as I can find no one else dong this!)

www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jun/18/makerfield-byelection-polls-open-labour-leadership-andy-burnham-keir-starmer-latest-news-updates

By the way, included in the Guardian commentary, there is a special feature on "dogs at polling stations" ☺️ enjoy!

I bet Starmer secretly wants Burnham to lose. I hope he loses as well he's so entitled I think his moniker King of the North has gone to his head.

Well there isn't really a win for Starmer is there, if Burnham wins he is finished, and if Reform wins he is finished a bit further down the line.

Why

There are plenty of Labour Party members (myself included) who would vote for KS in a leadership election … should one take place.

I’m not convinced that KS would win … but IMO it certainly wouldn’t be the embarrassing drubbing that some folk (and the media) are hoping for.

How do you know Starmer is finished if Burnham wins . It is not a foregone conclusion that Burnham will gain the support of enough of the Labour party .Quite honestly anyone who is so disloyal and puts self before party isn't worthy of anyone's vote. No wonder Putin is rubbing his hand in glee, as another poster has said. Funny how this tack has been forgotten and Farage will be laughing all the way to the bank, Burnham has played into his hands.

In a BBC Question Time Makerfield special this month, Mr Burnham said that if Mr Streeting triggered a contest, he too would throw his hat in the ring.

LizzieDrip

There are plenty of Labour Party members (myself included) who would vote for KS in a leadership election … should one take place.

I’m not convinced that KS would win … but IMO it certainly wouldn’t be the embarrassing drubbing that some folk (and the media) are hoping for.

I know of a lot of people that are joining the party to support Keir although they need to be a member for six months to have a leadership vote. Also people like me that were considering resigning our membership if Burnham makes a bid for the leadership ( and, let’s face it ,he’s only using Makerfield as a stepping stone to that) will be keeping it so we can vote for the democratically elected PM.

Yes MayBee70 I’m holding on to my Labour Party membership too so I can vote in a future leadership election (if one arises)👍