A short procedure in Parliament on Tuesday officially triggered a by-election in Makerfield, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham hopes to stand after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned.
On Tuesday, Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds moved the writ for a by-election, which is now likely to take place on June 18.
If Mr Burnham is successful in his bid to return to Parliament he is widely expected to launch a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Andy Burnham is Labour's preferred candidate for leader, a new poll has said.
The Greater Manchester Mayor set out his stall to become Makerfield MP in a major speech yesterday, saying he would not return the UK to the EU and outlining 'ambitious' plans for the ward.
If Mr Burnham wins the by-election, set to take place next month, he is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for leader of the Labour party.
And new polling by YouGov suggested Mr Burnham would be Labour members’ preferred candidate for leader, with 47% saying he would be their first choice for the job.
Some 31% ranked Sir Keir as their first choice, followed by Angela Rayner on 8%.
In a contest between Mr Burnham and Sir Keir, 59% said they would back the mayor while 37% would support the Prime Minister.
However, the Mayor will face a stern challenge from Reform in Makerfield.
And voters have told the Manchester Evening News they doubt his chances in the Makerfield by-election amid the Reform surge in the local elections earlier this month.
Speaking to M.E.N. political reporter Iram Ramzan, one constituent, businessman Jay Swallow, says while he likes Burnham personally, Reform will get his vote. "I think [Reform] will get in by a landslide," he said.
Thursday, June 18, is thought to be the earliest date a by-election could take place.
On Monday, right-wing party Restore Britain, led by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, named Rebecca Shepherd as its candidate.
Other parties are expected to name their candidates for the by-election this week.
Continue reading at Manchester Evening News:
Makerfield by-election LIVE as Andy Burnham would 'beat Keir Starmer in Labour leader contest', new poll says
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-makerfield-election-live-33960781
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