Andy Burnham, known as the 'King of the North,' has been confirmed as Labour's candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, selected from a shortlist of one by the party's National Executive Committee. Burnham, who served as a Labour MP for 16 years and held ministerial roles under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, expressed that constituents feel neglected by Westminster and pledged to change that. He will face Robert Kenyon, a local plumber and army reservist representing Reform, who previously worked as a specialist technician for the NHS in Lancashire. Kenyon, who lost to Labour in the 2024 general election by 5,399 votes, recently secured a seat on Wigan Council. In a campaign video, Burnham criticized Thatcher's legacy, attributing many of Britain's current challenges to her policies. However, he has faced scrutiny over his changing positions, including a U-turn on rejoining the EU and a diluted commitment to proportional representation. Kenyon has positioned himself as a relatable candidate, highlighting his working-class background and experiences growing up in a single-parent household.