'This is our last chance' - Andy Burnham sets out his pitch for Labour leadership in by-election victory rally

Andy Burnham has declared this is the "last chance to change" as he delivered a powerful speech following his victory in the Makerfield by-election.

Speaking to his new constituents, the ex-Mayor of Greater Manchester laid out his "path for Britain" and his determination to make "life more affordable for people".

Addressing the Makerfield rally following his comfortable victory, Mr Burnham said: "It does now open up the space for the real change that the people of this constituency deserve.

"We've got to now take this moment to answer the challenges that have been laid down, and I did describe it last night as a last chance to change.

"And I think that's how people here saw it when I was talking to them on the doorsteps, they said Andy, maybe we can give you our support this time."

Mr Burnham declared that the Labour Government must "respond" to the calls of Britons for a "better and more affordable life".

He said: "You have to respond to what people here are saying. You have to do something to make life more affordable, to put more money in people's pockets, to give people more breathing space again, so that they can have a better life.

"That's what people were saying, and we must respond to that."

The newly elected Makerfield MP declared that the country needs an "economy that works for everybody", and vowed to "back British businesses and British industry".

He said: "We need an economy that works for everybody, for people right here. We do need to bring down water bills, energy bills, rail fares, just as we've brought down bus fares in Greater Manchester to make life more affordable for people.

"We want to see a new drive of industrialisation across the north of England, and indeed the rest of the country, and a big change in Whitehall, if that is to happen.

"It's about time we started backing British business and British industry so that we can industrialise places like this."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Keir Starmer outlines next steps after Andy Burnham's victory and takes huge swipe at Reform
• Richard Tice says 'tactical voting' by Reform voters handed Andy Burnham victory in Makerfield
• Labour MPs urged to 'put Keir Starmer out of his misery' after Andy Burnham by-election win

Mr Burnham warned that it is the "last chance" to change Britain and pledged to "lay out a new path" for the country.

He declared: "I say it again, it is our last chance to change. But we're going to take it, aren't we? We are going to take that opportunity and we are going to lay out a new path for Britain.

"I will be a member of Parliament for everybody, however they voted. I will work on a place first, not a party first basis respecting how people voted.

"I know people who normally vote for the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, perhaps voted Reform in May. I know they gave me their votes to give me that last chance to do something, and I respect them for doing that."

MORE TO FOLLOW...