Burnham win is mandate for change – TSSA 

Labour affiliated rail union TSSA has said Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election is a ‘mandate for change at the top of the Labour Party’.  

Burnham took the seat in the North West of England with an increased majority and more votes than all the other candidates combined.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust, said: “Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield is a mandate for a change in direction right at the top of the Labour Party. 

“The electorate rejected the poison of the far right and backed a candidate strongly supported by the Labour movement. This win was delivered through a mass trade union-backed campaign that offered people hope for their communities. 

“Andy’s victory shows that Labour can win, even in challenging political terrain, when we are prepared to stand with working people and offer a message of hope and change. 

“The party leadership must recognise the lessons from this result. Time is running short, and a change of direction at the very top is needed if Labour is to rebuild trust and have any realistic prospect of success at the next general election.”