Why Makerfield by-election of UK matters far beyond one parliamentary seat?
Jun 17, 2026 #MakerfieldByElection #AndyBurnham #UKPolitics
A by-election in the small northern English constituency of Makerfield is drawing n
Jun 17, 2026 #MakerfieldByElection #AndyBurnham #UKPolitics
A by-election in the small northern English constituency of Makerfield is drawing national attention, with Manchester's Labour mayor Andy Burnham seeking a seat in Parliament from which he intends to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Standing against him is a strong candidate from Reform UK, the right-wing, anti-immigration party that has emerged as a significant insurgent force in British politics. The contest is being described by some as the most consequential by-election since the Second World War. Against a backdrop of economic hardship and deep voter disillusionment, the result could reshape the country's political landscape.
Al Jazeera's Jonah Hull reports from Ashton-in-Makerfield, England.
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