Special Report

How the Makerfield By-Election Could Change Everything

The outcome of the Makerfield by-election will be momentous, potentially triggering a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer or plunging the Labour Party into an existential crisis.

The Makerfield by-election is one of the most significant in British electoral history, with the potential to determine the next Prime Minister or trigger a major crisis for the Labour Party.

14
53 minJun 17, 2026The News Agents

Listen to the source episode

Special Report: How the Makerfield by-election could change everything

Continue in GenPod

Turn this episode into your next question.

Ask naturally. GenPod can find a related episode—or make a focused explainer when the right one does not exist.
Join the beta

Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

High Stakes for Labour Leadership

If Andy Burnham wins, he could challenge Keir Starmer for Prime Minister by the end of the week.

2
02

Existential Crisis for Labour

A loss for Burnham would plunge the Labour Party into a new level of existential crisis.

3
03

Historical Significance

The event is described as one of the most significant by-elections in British electoral history.

4
04

Voter Sentiment and Nervousness

The report explores what Makerfield voters want to see change and why the Burnham team is feeling nervous just hours before polling opens.

5

Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

What are the specific conditions under which Andy Burnham would challenge Keir Starmer?

02

How does the Makerfield by-election compare to other significant by-elections in British history?

03

What are the main concerns of voters in Makerfield regarding Westminster politics?

Background reading

The context behind the episode.

Context

The Makerfield Contest

The News Agents provides a special report from the constituency, examining the local dynamics and the national implications of the vote.

5

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

What do the people of Makerfield want to see change in Westminster?5
Are voters happy with the prospect of potentially electing the next Prime Minister?5
Why is the Burnham team feeling nervy just hours out from polling opening?5

Experts

Voices named in the source.

Jon

Reporter

5

Emily

Reporter

5

Lewis

Reporter

5

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

The News Agents is a Global Production brought to you by HSBC UK.

  1. Publisher show notes

    Whatever happens in Makerfield in the next 24 hours, the outcome will be momentous.

  2. Publisher show notes

    If Andy Burnham wins, we could see him challenge Keir Starmer for Prime Minister by the end of the week.

  3. Publisher show notes

    If Burnham loses, then Labour are plunged into a whole new level of existential crisis.

  4. Publisher show notes

    Either way, this will be one of the most significant by-elections in British electoral history - the stakes could hardly be higher.

  5. Publisher show notes

    Jon, Emily and Lewis have this special report from the constituency. What do the people of Makerfield want to see change in Westminster? Are voters happy with the prospect of potentially electing the next Prime Minister? And why are the Burnham team feeling nervy just hours out from polling opening?

  6. Publisher show notes

    The News Agents is a Global Production.

  7. Publisher show notes

    The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

Related listening guides

Choose what to hear next.