Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by‑election with 24,927 votes, while Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon came second with 15,696 votes. Burnham's election creates the possibility for him to attempt to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

According to Bluesky, Burnham said he will challenge Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by‑election and that he would seek to join a Labour leadership contest if one is launched. SCMP reported that Burnham said he would participate in any Labour leadership race. GDelt reported that Burnham would discuss Labour leadership with Starmer if he wins Makerfield and that Lisa Nandy said Burnham deserves to be heard emphatically at the top of politics if he succeeds in fighting off the Reform UK challenge.

France24 reported that Starmer said he will fight to stay in his role if a leadership challenge is launched by Burnham. The Guardian reported that Starmer is being told he will face a leadership challenge next week if he does not agree to a timetable to stand down after the Makerfield by‑election, and that Starmer wants to offer Burnham a senior role in government to avoid a leadership contest. A report from 1‑e8259.azureedge.net stated that Starmer announced he plans to step down as prime minister and Labour leader.