Who is Andy Burnham, the UK mayor set to challenge Keir Starmer's prime ministership?

Andy Burnham, dubbed the 'King of the North', has dramatically re-entered national politics, securing a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election this Friday to pave the way for a direct challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer embattled leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham, the popular former Mayor of Greater Manchester, won nearly 55% of the vote, signalling his intent to move beyond regional governance and seek the top job in Westminster. His victory immediately intensifies a mounting crisis for Starmer, whose premiership has been reeling from abysmal public approval and a string of electoral setbacks. The stakes for the UK governing Labour Party could not be higher. Starmer's net approval ratings have plummeted to -45% in June 2026, making him the least popular major party leader, while Labour itself trails Reform UK and the Conservatives in national polling, currently standing at a dismal 18.8%. This precipitous decline, exacerbated by crushing losses in May's local elections and controversies such as the Peter Mandelson appointment scandal, has triggered calls for Starmer's resignation from within his own ranks, with former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also signalling leadership ambitions. Burnham's campaign in Makerfield was explicitly framed as a referendum on Starmer's leadership, advocating a 'Manchesterism' approach and an end to 'trickle-down economics' to resonate with a disillusioned electorate. The immediate aftermath will see Burnham sworn into the House of Commons, with an anticipated showdown against Starmer over the party's future. While Starmer has publicly affirmed his intent to fight any challenge, Burnham's allies are reportedly pushing for an 'orderly and managed transition', seeking to avoid a divisive contest that could further destabilise the party. The Labour Party rules stipulate a challenger needs nominations from 20% of the Parliamentary Labour Party (81 MPs) to trigger a formal leadership election, a hurdle Burnham appears to have the backing to clear. The outcome of this looming leadership battle will not only determine Labour's direction but could see the UK facing its seventh Prime Minister since the 2016 Brexit vote.