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Makerfield by-election latest: Votes being counted in historic vote

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Victoria Jones/Shutterstock (16932724i) Election workers begin sorting and counting ballots Makerfield by-election count results, Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK - 18 Jun 2026
The all-important vote could decide the future of Labour under Keir Starmer (Picture: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)

Labour and Reform are anxiously waiting for the result of the pivotal Makerfield by-election with counting is underway in the south Wigan constituency.

Andy Burnham’s team are ‘quietly confident’ of victory and arrived at a Wigan venue called The Edge with a huge smile on his face.

The election result could be decisive for the future of Labour under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham predicted to launch a leadership big if he wins the seat.

Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage threw everything it had at the by-election, with the right-wingers’ candidate Robert Kenyon hoping to cause a political upset.

But their vote could be split by Restore Britain, an ultra-nationalist political group with extreme views on immigration, which has gained traction in recent months, becoming a headache for Reform.

With results expected within the next few hours, you can keep updated and follow the latest about the Makerfield by-election with Metro’s live blog here.

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