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Right-wing feud strengthens Andy Burnham's bid to be next British prime minister
Polls put Restore at 7%-8% in Makerfield, a split that could help Andy Burnham edge ahead of Reform.
- On Thursday, June 18, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham contests the Makerfield by-election, a pivotal race that could position him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for national leadership.
- Labour's advantage stems from a divided right-wing electorate, as Reform UK and Restore Britain—led by former colleagues Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe—compete for the same voter base following their acrimonious split last year.
- Polling suggests Burnham leads with 46% support, while Reform's Robert Kenyon trails at 41% and Restore's Rebecca Shepherd holds 7%; around 48% of Makerfield's electorate did not vote last time.
- Former Tory MP Andrew Bridgen dismissed claims that Restore exists to "prop up" Reform, arguing the party attracts voters who "wouldn't normally vote" rather than siphoning support from rivals.
- This contest underscores the shifting identity of the "Red Wall," where traditionally working-class, Labour-held seats are becoming prime targets for anti-establishment parties amid voter skepticism of the fractured landscape.
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A special election in England could eventually determine the next prime minister
The working class area where George Orwell set a 1937 book may chose the next U.K. prime minister. Manchester's center-left mayor is vying for a seat in Parliament – and a path to the PM's job.
·Washington, United States
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Ashton-in-Makerfield: The small town that could decide who will be Britain's next prime minister. Read about the battle between Labour and Reform UK.
·Oslo, Norway
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left4Leaning Right9Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 17%
C 46%
R 37%
Factuality
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