Makerfield. I wonder how it’s going!

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.

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

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

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.

MayBee70

Spinnaker

I think that secretly Reform will want Burnham to win. Then they will sit back and watch the explosion from this already fragile government, resulting in a complete and utter shambles. In my opinion of course.

They campaigned with Starmer Out recently so it’s win win for Reform. All we need at the moment is civil war in the Labour Party. Reform and Putin must be beside themselves with glee over it. Congratulations Burnham; playing right into their hands. But if he think he’s going to walk straight into the top job he’s got a fight on his hands.

I think you're right MayBee70. I really hope Burnham doesn't get anywhere near being PM - the man's ego is massive !

Spinnaker

I think that secretly Reform will want Burnham to win. Then they will sit back and watch the explosion from this already fragile government, resulting in a complete and utter shambles. In my opinion of course.

They campaigned with Starmer Out recently so it’s win win for Reform. All we need at the moment is civil war in the Labour Party. Reform and Putin must be beside themselves with glee over it. Congratulations Burnham; playing right into their hands. But if he think he’s going to walk straight into the top job he’s got a fight on his hands.

I hope Andy wins. I wish the Labour Party wasn’t in this mess, we need strong, reliable government not back biting and chaos.

Andy B will be an asset at Westminster. Rob the sexist not very bright plumber - would not be an asset anywhere

Good do CW about time too

I think your right spinnaker..
Im looking at it from over the water but it still affects me long term, my dh and myself have private pensions and state pensions from the UK, we pay our taxes to the UK before we receive it.

MT62

AGAA4

I hope Burnham wins. Don't want toxic Reform in any more councils

At least our pot holes have been filled in 😊 since reform got in.

I would hope so too. The Labour government quite recently gave count councils extra funding for pot holes.

There’s no point in worrying about Farage becoming PM in 3 years or so …. IMO

ronib

If Burnham wins and challenges Starmer, doesn’t there need to be a vote and other candidates may be preferable? Wes Streeting seems keen on challenging the PM for example. It’s not a forgone conclusion that Burnham will become PM.

It isn’t, you’re right. But even if Andy does get in there is a world of difference between being a popular mayor and becoming the PM. Always easy to find fault and say you’ll do better when you aren’t running the government. If he doesn’t turn things around within a short time people will be descending on him like a ton of bricks as well. It will be the same for whoever becomes PM and would be the same if God forbid Farage ever became PM. People want quick fixes to complex political issues and whilst the very rich pull the government’s strings I really don’t see how things can change.

MT62

AGAA4

I hope Burnham wins. Don't want toxic Reform in any more councils

At least our pot holes have been filled in 😊 since reform got in.

I can't say that there's been much action on ours in Durham and Reform have been in power for a year now.

If Burnham wins and challenges Starmer, doesn’t there need to be a vote and other candidates may be preferable? Wes Streeting seems keen on challenging the PM for example. It’s not a forgone conclusion that Burnham will become PM.

AGAA4

I hope Burnham wins. Don't want toxic Reform in any more councils

Ditto.
Much as I think the Labour mutiny isn’t helping the country am hoping Andy wins.

AGAA4

I hope Burnham wins. Don't want toxic Reform in any more councils

At least our pot holes have been filled in 😊 since reform got in.

From what I’ve watched, AB isn’t their ‘king of the north’ so anything could happen.
Restore had a large turnout the other day.

I hope Burnham wins. Don't want toxic Reform in any more councils

Maremia

Why would a GE be imminent?
How many times did the Tories change leaders, and no GE called?

One rule for Tory governments and one rule for Labour governments .

Of course there won’t be a GE - wishful thinking. As for the Reform/Restore split -well they’ve only themselves to blame haven’t they. Thank goodness

Why would a GE be imminent?
How many times did the Tories change leaders, and no GE called?

I'd be surprised if a GE is imminent.

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?

I think so too. The LDs and the Greens have mounted candidates for their party faithfuls but not campaigned seriously while Restore will get in the way of Reform.

And I hope so too, though I dislike what AB is doing and also hope that once in Westminster he will bide his time for a bit

I for one will be up watching the count - assuming they start it right after the polls close.