Andy Burnham Accused of ‘Taking Makerfield Voters for Granted’ in Leadership Bid

Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, has launched a scathing attack on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, accusing him of “taking Makerfield for granted” in his bid to become an MP, suggesting it’s a calculated move to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

Burnham’s Ambition Under Fire

Andy Burnham, the Mayor for Greater Manchester, has been approved by Labour’s national executive to stand as an MP in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. However, this decision has drawn sharp criticism from Reform UK, with Robert Jenrick telling GB News that Burnham’s move is part of his “plan to become Prime Minister” and “oust Sir Keir Starmer.”

Mr Jenrick, speaking to GB News, stated that Reform UK expects to field “very strong candidates” in the by-election. He highlighted that their candidate would genuinely care about representing the constituency, unlike Mr Burnham, who he claims is “just using the people of Makerfield for his own ends.”

Reform UK’s Message to Makerfield

Robert Jenrick delivered a clear message to Makerfield constituents, urging them to vote Reform UK. He asserted that voting Reform is the only way to “stop the boats” and “get rid of Labour,” a party he claims has “let this town and the communities around it down for a very long time,” as reported by GB News.

When questioned by GB News host Charlie Peters about Kemi Badenoch’s remarks that the Conservatives would not stand aside for Reform UK, Mr Jenrick dismissed the concern. He argued that the Conservative Party is “irrelevant” and has become a “regional pressure group for places like Kensington,” predicting they would lose their deposit in Makerfield, as they did in Gorton and Denton.

• Andy Burnham accused of using Makerfield for personal ambition to become Prime Minister.
• Reform UK claims Burnham’s bid is a direct challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
• Robert Jenrick asserts Reform UK’s candidate will genuinely represent local interests.
• Jenrick urged Makerfield voters to choose Reform UK to “stop the boats” and remove Labour.
• Reform UK dismissed the Conservative Party as “irrelevant” in the by-election context.

What This Means for Britain

This by-election highlights the deep divisions within the Labour Party and the potential for a future leadership contest, even with Sir Keir Starmer currently in Number 10.

For ordinary voters in Makerfield, the choice presented is between a Labour candidate accused of using the seat as a stepping stone and Reform UK, promising a voice focused solely on local issues and national sovereignty.

The comments from Robert Jenrick underscore Reform UK’s strategy to position itself as the only viable alternative to Labour, particularly in traditional Labour heartlands.

This political manoeuvring demonstrates how the establishment parties are increasingly out of touch with the concerns of working people, focusing on internal power struggles rather than national priorities.

The by-election will be a key test for how Reform UK’s message resonates with voters who feel let down by both Labour and the Conservatives.

Share if you believe politicians should focus on representing their constituents, not their own ambitions.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by GB News. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News