Labour's Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The election took place on June 19, 2026, in Wigan, England. Burnham's victory paves the way for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham was considered the leading Labour contender in the by-election.
At the polling station, Britain's Reform Party leader Nigel Farage and local candidate Rob Kenyon shook hands and met with voters. Vote counting began on June 19.
Burnham's win intensifies the leadership contest within the Labour Party. Starmer, the current prime minister, faces criticism, while Burnham's popularity allows him to mount a challenge.