Burnham by-election live: Ex-Greater Manchester mayor vows ‘new path for Britain’ in Makerfield victory rally

Andy Burnham said “we are going to lay out a new path for Britain” at a rally following his Makerfield by-election win, in another hint he is set to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

In his victory rally, the former Greater Manchester mayor said: “The word Makerfield in the future must be known as a byword for the change that came to British politics. This is the moment.”

The prime minister has vowed to stand in any contest should one be triggered, after he vowed he would not “walk away”.

Allies of Andy Burnham, who has hailed a landslide victory over Reform UK in the crucial Makerfield by-election, have called on the prime minister to hand over the keys to No 10.

It has been reported that the prime minister has been building up a “war chest” of funds to fight any campaign, as he also faces a looming threat from former health secretary Wes Streeting.

Nigel Farage has also been dealt a blow with Mr Burnham winning the by-election by 9,231 votes, despite Reform UK performing best in last month’s local elections.