"Nigel Farage has unveiled a local plumber as Reform UK's candidate to challenge Andy Burnham in the high-stakes Makerfield by-election, framing the contest as a populist battle against Labour's establishment machine. Robert Kenyon, who previously stood for Reform in the constituency at the 2024 general election, will once again contest the seat after finishing second with 32 per cent of the vote. Announcing the candidacy, Mr Farage described the race as a "David versus Goliath battle", branding the Greater Manchester Mayor "Open Borders Burnham"."
""This is the 'Plucky Plumber' taking on 'Open Borders Burnham'," Mr Farage said. "Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election." The contest is being closely watched across Westminster because of its wider implications for Labour's internal politics and the future ambitions of Mr Burnham, who is seeking a return to Parliament amid mounting speculation over the party's long-term leadership."
"Mr Burnham has positioned the campaign as an opportunity to "change Labour" from within, though Keir Starmer has repeatedly insisted he has no intention of stepping down as Prime Minister. If Mr Burnham were ultimately to pursue a formal leadership challenge, he would require the backing of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a contest under current party rules. Mr Kenyon, a self-employed plumber born in Makerfield, has sought to emphasise his local roots and working-class background."
""Makerfield has never had a member of Parliament who was actually born in Makerfield," he said. "This will be a tough fight, but I am going to give this contest my best shot." Before entering politics, Mr Kenyon served as an Army reservist and worked for the NHS in Lancashire as a specialis"
Reform UK has chosen Robert Kenyon, a self-employed plumber born in Makerfield, as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election to challenge Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Nigel Farage presented the contest as a “David versus Goliath” battle, calling Burnham “Open Borders Burnham” and arguing that only Reform UK can beat Labour. Kenyon previously stood for Reform in the constituency at the 2024 general election and finished second with 32% of the vote. Burnham has framed the campaign as a chance to change Labour from within, while Keir Starmer has said he will not step down. A leadership challenge would require support from 81 Labour MPs under current rules.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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