Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has returned to the British Parliament after winning a by-election in northern England on Friday, strengthening his position within the Labour Party.

Burnham secured victory in the Macclesfield constituency, finishing ahead of the anti-immigration Reform Party candidate backed by Nigel Farage, who came second.

Widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Labour leader, Burnham’s return comes amid declining approval ratings for the government.

Political observers say his seat in the House of Commons now allows him to play a direct role in any future leadership contest, although questions remain over when and how he might challenge for the party’s top position.