Burnham’s mask is slipping
Andy Burnham faces a challenging by-election campaign in Makerfield, with a narrow lead in recent polls. His candidacy is scrutinized due to past controversies and perceived vulnerabilities, despite his strong personal brand as Mayor of Greater Manchester. The political landscape is complicated by competing parties and the potential involvement of Labour leadership in the campaign.
- ▪Burnham is leading in polls by only three points ahead of the Makerfield by-election.
- ▪Restore UK, led by Rupert Lowe, is campaigning aggressively with a focus on crime and immigration.
- ▪Burnham's past controversies regarding expenses and his current position as Mayor raise questions about his candidacy's authenticity.
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| Original publisher | ConservativeHome |
| Canonical URL | https://conservativehome.com/2026/05/26/burnhams-mask-is-slipping/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:03 +0000 |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
I’m not sure that Andy Burnham will be able to hold out until June 18th. Apparently, the Makerfield by-election was called as early as possible. But how will Burnham cope with another three weeks of vigorous campaigning? A poll by Survation for the Sunday Times has him ahead – but only by three points. Opinion polls can have an impact on the real ones. Restore UK, led by Rupert Lowe MP, has been campaigning hard on the theme that Reform UK are a bunch of pinkoes. Lowe promises a tougher prospectus on such matters as crime, immigration and reforming the welfare system so it no longer “rewards the indolent.” Lowe has been insisting that his Party can win the by-election. Well, anything is possible, I suppose. Opinion polls have a margin of error.
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