LONDON, U.K.: Andy Burnham from the Labour Party, who is currently the mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election to become a Member of Parliament. This win puts him in a strong position to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership.

Burnham clearly defeated Rob Kenyon from the anti-immigration Reform UK party to win the Makerfield seat in northwest England. The result, announced early Friday, strengthens Burnham's position as a leading candidate to replace Starmer as Labour leader and possibly become prime minister. The 56-year-old politician, known as the "King of the North," received nearly 55 percent of the 45,510 votes cast, finishing more than 9,000 votes ahead of Kenyon.

In his victory speech, Burnham made it clear that he aims to lead the country, not just serve as one of over 400 Labour MPs in the 650-seat Parliament. He said that people feel politics is not working and that the country is not in a good place, adding that this moment could be a turning point.

Starmer, who has said he will fight any leadership challenge, congratulated Burnham and said voters chose Labour's message of hope and unity over division.

Burnham has been the mayor of Manchester since 2017 and has overseen major development in the city. He now promises to bring his "Manchester-style" approach to the whole country. He also said he wants Makerfield to be remembered as the place that helped bring needed change.

Although Labour is in power, it has become unpopular. Starmer's support has dropped sharply since his big election win in July 2024. He has struggled to boost the economy, fix public services, and reduce living costs. His leadership has also been hurt by mistakes, including appointing Peter Mandelson, who has been linked to controversy, as the UK ambassador to the United States.

Labour is losing support to the Green Party among liberal voters, while Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is gaining popularity, especially in northern England areas like Makerfield.

Burnham's strong win gives Labour hope of stopping Reform UK's rise. Farage admitted he was disappointed with the election result.

After poor results in local elections in May, many Labour MPs called for Starmer to resign, but he has refused. Some senior party members are pushing for change. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned in May, citing a lack of clear direction, and has said he would run for leader if there is a contest.

The special election was held after Josh Simons, the former MP for Makerfield, stepped down to allow Burnham to return to Parliament.

In the UK system, the ruling party can change its leader without a general election, and the new leader automatically becomes prime minister. To challenge the leader, a candidate needs support from one-fifth of Labour MPs, which is currently 81 members.

Burnham is expected to go to London and officially take his seat in Parliament soon, possibly by Monday. He may also meet with Starmer to suggest that he step down in an orderly way and set a timeline for his departure. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the two will need to discuss what happens next in the coming days.