The establishment reaction to Andy Burnham’s rise is a sign of the fight to come | Clive Lewis
Andy Burnham is campaigning in the Makerfield byelection, highlighting the challenges facing progressive politics in Britain. The recent local elections have shown a fragmentation of the progressive vote, with Reform gaining significant ground. Burnham's vision for public investment faces constraints from current fiscal rules, complicating efforts to establish a new social democracy.
- ▪Andy Burnham is standing in the Makerfield byelection on June 18, 2026.
- ▪Recent local elections resulted in Labour losing around 1,100 councillors while Reform gained 1,257 seats.
- ▪Burnham's proposed public investment projects are hindered by existing fiscal rules set by Rachel Reeves.
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‘Vote Andy for us’ sign in Wigan. Andy Burnham is standing in the Makerfield byelection on 18 June 2026. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreen‘Vote Andy for us’ sign in Wigan. Andy Burnham is standing in the Makerfield byelection on 18 June 2026. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty ImagesOpinionAndy BurnhamThe establishment reaction to Andy Burnham’s rise is a sign of the fight to comeClive LewisThe old settlement will not politely bow out for its replacement – which is why progressives must take action on these three frontsWed 27 May 2026 03.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 27 May 2026 03.09 EDTShareVery often, I find, science fiction names what politics struggles to.
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