Nigel Farage vows to 'throw everything at stopping Andy Burnham' as Reform plots by-election showdown with PM's rival

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May 14, 2026 - 18:10

Nigel Farage vows to 'throw everything at stopping Andy Burnham' as Reform plots by-election showdown with PM's rival

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has vowed to "throw everything" at stopping Andy Burnham's attempted return to the House of Commons.

The Greater Manchester Mayor, who first expressed an interest in becoming Labour leader in 2010, is looking to stand in Makerfield following Josh Simons's shock resignation announcement.

Mr Simons won the Greater Manchester constituency with a majority of 5,399 votes, seeing off a strong challenge from Reform UK.

However, Makerfield is now one of Reform UK's top targets in the North West of England.

Following Mr Simons's resignation, Mr Farage said: “We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it.”

GB News revealed earlier this week how Reform UK insiders had already been plotting to halt Mr Burnham's march to No10.

"Given Labour were demolished across the former Red Wall, there are no 'safe' Labour seats left," a senior Reform source told The People's Channel.

"Andy Burnham and Labour ministers show their contempt for the electorate by thinking they can swap out one of their MPs and crown a new Prime Minister. Voters will teach them a brutal lesson."

Another insider warned: "We won every seat in Angela Rayner's patch last week. Ask her if there are any safe Labour seats."