Andy Burnham boosted by split in Right-wing vote in Makerfield by-election
Andy Burnham’s chances in the Makerfield by-election are being enhanced by a fragmentation of the Right-wing vote, reports BritPanorama.
Allies of the Labour candidate indicate that he is significantly benefiting from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK losing support to Rupert Lowe’s newly formed party, Restore Britain, in the Greater Manchester constituency.
A recent poll indicated Labour leading with 43 percent, followed by Reform at 40 percent and Restore at 7 percent. Labour insiders believe the impact of the Restore vote has been underestimated.
One Labour source commented, “The Right-wing vote is fracturing and it feels like Reform are losing their minds.” Reform UK has urged Lowe to withdraw his candidate, Rebecca Shepherd, in a bid to prevent Burnham from securing a victory that could propel him into a leadership contest for No10.
Reform UK has initiated a “vote Restore, get Burnham” campaign, warning constituents of the potential threat of a hard-left government should Burnham succeed. However, Restore has declined to remove their candidate from the race, asserting, “The people decide. That’s how it should work.”
Lowe, who was elected as the MP for Great Yarmouth in 2024, separated from Reform after a dispute with Farage. He has since claimed that Reform UK is becoming too lenient on immigration issues.
This by-election in Makerfield will be closely watched as it not only reflects local political dynamics but may also signal broader trends within the evolving landscape of British politics.
