Josh Simons has resigned as the Labour MP for Makerfield, stating he is clearing the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to seek a return to Westminster. The move comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership crisis following significant local election losses to Reform UK, which has triggered internal party calls for a change in direction.
Starmer indicated he will not block the bid, a change in stance from earlier this year when party officials prevented Burnham from contesting a different seat. The Prime Minister’s position has weakened after a series of cabinet departures. James Murray was named the new Health Secretary on Thursday following the resignation of Wes Streeting, who left his post shortly before the Makerfield announcement.
Burnham confirmed his intentions on social media, stating he will ask the Labour National Executive Committee for permission to stand in the resulting by-election. According to a report by ITV News, Simons said he is standing aside so Burnham can “return to his home” and “drive the change our country is crying out for.”
The maneuver has drawn immediate criticism from political opponents. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said his party intends to contest the Makerfield seat with all available resources. He claimed the move was an attempt to save a failing administration by bringing in a high-profile challenger to Starmer’s authority. Farage said his team is ready to fight to collapse Labour’s remaining support in the north.
And Labour party officials noted that the situation mirrors historical instances where leadership transitions required shifts in parliamentary seats. Luke Akehurst of the NEC pointed out that the last time a Prime Minister governed from outside the House of Commons was in 1963 with Alec Douglas-Home. Party rules regarding candidates are expected to be discussed in an emergency session later this week.
Burnham has served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. He previously held the seat for Leigh between 2001 and 2017. A return to the Commons allows him to officially join the parliamentary party and potentially mount a challenge for the Labour leadership if Starmer’s polling does not improve. The by-election date has not yet been set.