When is the Makerfield by-election? Likely date revealed as Andy Burnham's No10 push faces crunch test

The Makerfield by-election is expected to take place on June 18, giving Andy Burnham just 34 days to prepare for his potential return to Westminster.

A by-election was triggered in the Greater Manchester constituency after ex-minister Josh Simons announced he would resign as an MP.

Mr Simons, who was once a staunch supporter of Sir Keir Starmer, made clear his decision was intended to assist Mr Burnham's leadership ambitions.

He said: "I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for."

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Mr Burnham almost immediately released his own statement to express his intention to put his name forward.

Labour's National Executive Committee today confirmed it would not block Mr Burnham's candidacy, changing its position on the Greater Manchester Mayor's eligibility since rejecting his request to contest Gorton & Denton in February.

A Labour spokesman said: "Labour's ruling body, the National Executive Committee has today given permission to Andy Burnham to stand in the candidate selection process in the forthcoming by-election for the Makerfield constituency."

Voters in Makerfield last went to the polls on May 7, with eight wards in the constituency electing representatives to Wigan Borough Council.

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Reform UK recorded a clean sweep of wins across the eight wards, registering a total vote share of 50 per cent.

However, new data released by Britain Elects suggests Mr Burnham's candidacy could ensure Labour holds onto the once-safe seat.

Holding a by-election in Makerfield is expected to cost taxpayers around £226,208.

Mr Burnham would be forced to vacate his role as Manchester's metro mayor if he sees off the challenge from Reform UK.

A snap poll to elect his successor, which could be ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville, is expected to add another £4,719,754 to the total bill footed by taxpayers.

Sir Keir's Government has passed legislation to change the voting system for metro mayors, ending the first-past-the-post method adopted by the Tories.

However, the proportional system has not yet received the all-clear, as it awaits the necessary secondary legislation needed to enact this change.

Mr Burnham, who is often touted as the "King of the North", represented Leigh in the House of Commons from 2001 to 2017.

The 56-year-old left Westminster after two unsuccessful attempts to win the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015.

Mr Burnham cemented his position in Greater Manchester politics, receiving 64 per cent of the vote in the 2024 metro mayor election.

However, the diehard Everton fan still harbours ambitions of becoming Prime Minister.

He is expected to face a challenge from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting if Labour MPs trigger a leadership coup against Sir Keir.

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