East Lancashire MPs respond to Burnham win

East Lancashire MPs have responded to Andy Burnham’s by-election win in Makerfield.

The now former Mayor of Greater Manchester even managed to improve his party’s majority from the General Election, winning a 9000-vote majority of Reform UK’s local plumber, Robert Kenyon.

But while this by-election victory will return Burnham to parliament after 11 years away, in which time he has become Labour’s most popular politician, his major victory over Reform only lends more strength to the argument that he, and not Sir Keir Starmer, should be Prime Minister.

Labour MPs in East Lancashire, who have woken up to a rare seismic win after their recent local election losses, have shared what Burnham’s victory means for the future of the Labour Party – and the rest of the country.

Sarah Smith MP

The MP for Hyndburn was unequivocal in her support for Burnham before and after the by-election, today calling on the Prime Minster to prepare an ‘orderly transition of power’.

Sarah Smith MP said: “Andy Burnham achieved an incredible victory last night in a political climate where such results are far from guaranteed for Labour. It shows that we can win back the hearts and minds of people when we offer hope for the future and a clear rejection of the divisive politics of Reform.

“I’m well aware that Hyndburn and Haslingden, like Makerfield recently, have voted in huge numbers for the Reform Party.

“While Andy’s personal popularity is undoubtedly a major part of his success, it remains a fact that if we are to re-engage across the country, we must take seriously the issues that matter most to people: growing British industry to create good jobs, creating growth outside of our city regions and tackling illegal immigration. Andy’s mandate is clear and now it is time for Keir Starmer to outline his plan for an orderly transition of power.

“This is essential to our nation’s future and to winning back the trust of those people who need a Labour Government to deliver for them.”

Andy MacNae MP

The MP for Rossendale and Darwen sees the dominating win as a hopeful sign, stating that a Burnham win is a victory for small towns.

Andy MacNae MP said: “Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield is a brilliant demonstration of what can happen when you have a candidate who listens and responds, and a campaign which focuses on hope and positivity over division.

“I was there in Makerfield myself, and I’d like to thank the voters who chose to put their faith in Andy, alongside all our volunteers and activists who contributed to this outstanding result.

“I’m very pleased that Andy Burnham shares my concerns about small towns being overlooked. I have been raising the need to focus on areas which have been left behind for a long time, in Parliament, in the press, within the Labour party and with local authorities. I look forward to working with Andy to bring about change for places like those of Rossendale and Darwen.

“Next week, I’ll be fully engaged in a number of discussions, but today my focus is on delivering results for my constituents. I’m meeting with Lancashire County Council and setting out my concerns on road safety, pushing for a Rawtenstall rail link and discussing other issues which have been raised with me.”

Jonathan Hinder MP

The MP for Pendle and Clitheroe said that Burnham’s win could finally deliver something that people have supported for years, but failed to realise – investment in the north of England.

Jonathan Hinder MP said: “Huge congratulations to Andy Burnham on a massive win, securing 55 per cent of the vote to become the new MP for Makerfield!

“Andy ran on a promise to build a Labour Party that truly represents places like Pendle and Clitheroe – focusing on what matters most: high-quality apprenticeships, protecting our NHS, and real investment in the North.

“For too long, Westminster and the South have held all the focus. That must change now.

“As Andy said in his acceptance speech: ‘People here have voted for change. They have voted for more power for the North and everywhere forgotten by Westminster, they have voted for hope. Now let’s give that back to them.’

“Andy has always been a champion for the North, and I look forward to working alongside him down in Parliament.

“This result proves that a hopeful, unifying approach to politics is exactly what our country is looking for. When we come together, listen with humility, and put our heartlands first, we win.”