Burnham launches Makerfield by-election bid as Greens reopen selection

Andy Burnham launched his campaign on Thursday as Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election in Greater Manchester, seeking a return to Parliament after a nine-year absence. The contest is scheduled for June 18. The Green Party, meanwhile, reopened its candidate selection process after its initial pick, Chris Kennedy, withdrew less than 12 hours after being announced.

Burnham’s formal launch was expected at about 10:45 a.m., after he was seen canvassing in the constituency earlier in the week. Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would campaign for Burnham and framed the vote as a head-to-head contest between Labour and Reform UK.

The Green Party said Kennedy stepped aside for “personal and family reasons,” and the party moved to restart its selection process for the by-election. Kennedy’s withdrawal came nine hours after his selection was announced.

Green candidate withdrawal and social media questions

Reports said Kennedy was questioned about social media posts he shared relating to an April incident involving Jewish ambulances in North London. In an Instagram video he shared, Kennedy described arrests connected to the incident as “total bullshit to keep the false flag flying,” according to the reports.

The episode prompted renewed scrutiny of candidate vetting as parties seek to position themselves ahead of the June 18 vote. The Green Party has not provided further detail beyond its statement on Kennedy’s reasons for withdrawing.

Borrowing figures underline pressure on UK public finances

Separately, official figures showed UK government borrowing hit its second-highest April level on record. The public-sector deficit was £24.3 billion last month, pointing to continued pressure on public finances.

The borrowing data adds to the backdrop for the by-election campaign, with fiscal policy and the state of public services likely to feature in local political arguments in the run-up to polling day.

Campaign activity is expected to intensify in the days ahead as parties finalise candidate plans and national figures join the local push ahead of June 18.