Andy Burnham launched his campaign to become Labour leader by emphasizing a significant shift in the party’s direction, aiming to reconnect with working-class voters and reshape Labour’s national agenda. Speaking at the Great North Investment Summit in Leeds, Burnham framed the upcoming Makerfield by-election, where he seeks to return to Parliament, as pivotal not only for the constituency but for the future of the party.

Burnham characterized the contest as “a by-election like no other,” asserting that a vote for him would signal a demand for change within Labour. He criticized the long-term economic policies initiated during the Thatcher era, describing four decades of "trickle-down economics" as having drained wealth from working communities into the hands of the already affluent. Burnham also called for expanding council housing and hinted at policies involving wealth redistribution, nationalization, and price controls as part of his vision to make essentials like rent, bills, and transport more affordable.

While Burnham had previously expressed a desire for the UK to rejoin the European Union, he recently moderated his stance amid concerns about voter sentiment in Makerfield, a Leave-leaning constituency. He stated that he respected the Brexit referendum result and did not advocate for rejoining the EU at this time, aiming to avoid reopening divisive debates. This shift has drawn criticism from opponents who accuse him of flip-flopping. Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice labeled him the "King of the U-turn," highlighting the contrast with Burnham’s earlier pro-EU position.

The issue of Brexit has also caused internal friction within Labour. Wes Streeting, a leadership rival and former health secretary, openly called Brexit a "catastrophic mistake" and expressed continued support for campaigning to rejoin the EU after the next general election. Streeting’s comments have led to accusations by some Burnham supporters that he is undermining the by-election campaign, though his allies say Streeting is simply advocating for the open discussion of party policy.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to contest the next general election and resist any leadership challenges. Starmer urged the party to unify in support of Labour’s Makerfield candidate and insisted he would not step aside if Burnham were elected. Deputy Labour leader David Lammy warned that ongoing internal disputes risked leaving the party out of government.

The upcoming by-election is also expected to be fiercely contested by Reform UK, which has positioned itself as a major challenger in Makerfield. Some Conservative figures, including Kemi Badenoch, have been urged by party activists to consider stepping aside in the seat to prevent splitting the right-wing vote and improve Reform UK’s chances of defeating Burnham.

As the contest unfolds, tensions within Labour remain high, with debates over Brexit and policy direction reflecting deeper divisions about the party’s future course. Labour members’ polling suggests Burnham holds a strong lead over Starmer in a hypothetical leadership contest, but the practical implications of such a challenge are still uncertain with Starmer determined to maintain his position. The Makerfield by-election, expected to be called imminently following the resignation of MP Josh Simons, will be watched closely as a test of Labour’s ability to navigate these internal conflicts and rebuild support in traditional heartlands.