Andy Burnham ‘will drop call to reverse Brexit’ ahead of Makerfield by-election

LocalPolitics
17 May 2026 • 1:09 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Andy Burnham ‘will drop call to reverse Brexit’ ahead of Makerfield by-election

  • Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been approved to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election.
  • He is expected to abandon his previous call to reverse Brexit, instead advocating for close ties with the European Union.
  • This strategic shift could pave his way back to Westminster and potentially position him for a future Labour leadership contest.
  • The by-election was initiated by Josh Simons' resignation from the Makerfield seat specifically to allow Burnham to stand.
  • A recent YouGov poll reveals voters are divided on whether Burnham appears to be a Prime Minister in waiting.

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