Keir Starmer has stated that he will give “100%” support to the Labour Party candidate in the upcoming by-election in Makerfield.
Speaking to Labour Party staff, Starmer said the name of the candidate will be announced soon and that whoever is selected will have his full backing. He described the race as a contest between Labour and Reform UK, referring to the right-wing party Reform UK.
The by-election was triggered after the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who left Parliament following his appointment to a procedural role that allows MPs to resign from the House of Commons.
According to reports, Simons had previously suggested he might make way for former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, although Burnham has not confirmed any candidacy.
Starmer also acknowledged that recent local election results have been “difficult,” adding that voters are dissatisfied with the pace of change and that the government’s focus remains on improving governance quickly.
