Burnham says his win in Makerfield by-election could be turning point

Burnham says his win in Makerfield by-election could be turning point8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJennifer McKiernanPolitical reporterGetty ImagesAndy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, clearing a major hurdle for an expected challenge for the Labour leadership.In his victory speech, he said his win could mark a turning point for the country, while he pledged not to use the constituency as a stepping stone. The outgoing Greater Manchester mayor held off a challenge from Reform UK, which came second but more than 9,000 votes behind Labour.In Aberdeen South, the Scottish Conservatives won a Westminster by-election for the first time in more than 50 years taking the seat from the SNP while in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry the SNP held onto the seat in its by-election overnight.Burnham reassured voters he would not be turning away from the constituency as he headed to Westminster."Everyone knows that politics isn't working," he said. "Everyone can feel that the country isn't where it should be."Tonight could just be a turning point."From hereon in I will give everything I have got to make it so, to ensure the name Makerfield is for ever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs." He added: "It [Makerfield] will never be a stepping stone to me but instead will be my touchstone."Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold for 120 years but the party threw everything at its campaign, following historic losses in May's elections with Labour losing ground to Reform in English council elections.Burnham's win against his nearest challenger Robert Kenyon, a plumber and Reform councillor, came after Labour MP Josh Simons, stepped down to allow Burnham an opportunity to contest the seat. Burnham had to be an MP if he wanted to launch a leadership challenge against the prime minister.Speaking from the count ahead of the result, Burnham's allies stepped up calls for Sir Keir St...