Oxford MP backs Andy Burnham ahead of Makerfield by-election

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, has endorsed the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s stake in the Makerfield by-election.

In a statement, the MP said: “Great reception in Makerfield for Andy Burnham.

“Thanks to all the residents who opened their doors to us. Many underlined how Andy keeps speaking up for people like them.”

Following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s devastation loss in councils across the counties, many Labour MP’s are supporting Mr Burnham as the party’s best chance of recovery.

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Andy Burnham makes a speech surrounded by supporters at the launch of his campaign as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election (Image: Peter Byrne)

The MP for Makerfield is open after Josh Simons resigned on Monday, May 18 in order for Mr Burnham to take his seat.

The Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday, June 18.

Ms Dodds resigned in February last year as Sir Keir’s International Development Minister following aid cuts.

In a letter to the Prime Minister at the time she said cuts to international aid to fund an increase in defence spending would “remove food and healthcare from desperate people – deeply harming the UK’s reputation”.

Mr Burnham could be in with a chance of taking the seat in the upcoming by-election, however, Reform only came second by 5,399 votes in the last elections.

The politician has previously run to become the party’s leader after Gordon Brown resigned, losing to Ed Miliband, and in 2015, where he was beaten by Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Burnham was MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester, during his time as an MP he was a member of the Health Select Committee, and a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

He has also served as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham was blocked from running in the recent February Gorton and Denton by-election, which Green candidate Hannah Spencer won.