Last Thursday, Andy Burnham was announced as the new Labour MP for Makerfield with 55% of the vote – more than the other 13 candidates combined and 13.5% more than both Restore and Reform. 

The results of this by-election have set the country on a new course, with huge implications for Crewe & Nantwich. 

At the local elections in May, the country sent the government a message:  something has to change. We lost 58% of the seats up for election, and though none were held in Crewe & Nantwich, I know many of you shared the sentiments reflected in those results. 

In conversations on the doorstep, it was obvious that the public had lost confidence in the Prime Minister to lead the country.  

The Labour Party has achieved great things during the first half of this Parliamentary term. British leadership on the world stage, particularly on Ukraine and Iran. Landmark legislation to bring railways into public ownership, upgrade workers’ rights and protect renters. Lifting 500,000 children out of poverty, and much more. Unfortunately, those achievements are at risk of being overshadowed by mistakes made and a failure to carry the country with us on major decisions. 

This week, the Prime Minister listened to what the public has been telling him. His decision to step down gives us the chance to build on those successes and keep the promises we made at the 2024 General Election. 

It’s no secret that I back Andy Burnham to take his place. Since I became an MP, I’ve worked with Andy on engagements with the government over HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail projects. He’s championed regional connectivity and greater public ownership of transport networks – something I believe is key to unlocking economic growth in Crewe & Nantwich. 

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he’s pioneered greater devolved control to give local people a bigger say – a message that’s received cross-party support and been realised in projects like the new Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority. 

He’s engaged directly with local community groups supporting the most vulnerable in society, learning from trusted organisations that have built relationships with service users over the years. 

On business relations, the GMCA has fostered strong private-public connections to support an economy that has performed two times better than the rest of the UK.  

Perhaps most importantly, I know that Andy can connect with the British public. His slogan during the Makerfield by-election reflected what someone had said to him on the doorstep. They were voting for Andy because he is “For us”.  

I can say with some confidence that Andy is ‘For us’ because he is one of us. A northern, working-class father and husband. An Everton season ticket holder. A champion of ordinary people everywhere, whether that be through his tireless campaigning on issues like Hillsborough or the infected blood scandal, or his work to make life for affordable for ordinary Mancunians. 

I sincerely believe that if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, he will govern in the best interests of my constituents with a greater understanding of what towns like ours need.