Andy Burnham, a veteran UK Labour politician, has won a crucial by-election in the Makerfield constituency, paving the way for a potential leadership challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Burnham, a former government minister and Greater Manchester mayor, secured nearly 55% of the vote, beating Reform UK's candidate by over 9,000 ballots in a historically high turnout of 59%.
The 56-year-old Labour figure is now in a strong position to trigger a leadership contest, which could see him replace Starmer as party leader and prime minister.
Starmer congratulated Burnham on his win, saying voters had chosen Labour's campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate.
However, the prime minister's position remains precarious, with dozens of Labour MPs calling for him to quit and several ministers having resigned in recent weeks.
Burnham's victory is seen as a significant blow to Starmer's leadership, and the Labour party is now bracing itself for a potential leadership contest.
