Reform UK Contests Labour's Safe Seat in Makerfield

Reform UK's Rob Kenyon secured significant votes in the June 18 Makerfield by-election, breaching what Labour had treated as a structurally safe working-class seat in Greater Manchester. The result tests whether Reform's 2024 momentum has built durable local organisation or remains a protest wave. For Labour strategists, a strong challenger vote in formerly secure territory means defending seats once thought untouchable.