Tice claims Reform voters backed Burnham to oust Starmer in Makerfield by-election
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Summary
BBC News segment features Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice reacting to the 18 June 2026 Makerfield by-election. Labour's Andy Burnham won the long-held safe seat with 54.81% against Reform's 34.51%. Tice argues voters, including some Reform supporters, chose Burnham tactically to remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer, echoing local election trends. He notes disappointment at not winning but pivots to the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election expected in late July.
Editorial Assessment
The clip accurately reports verifiable election outcomes and Tice's stated views without distortion. Tice's tactical voting assertion rests on voter anecdotes rather than polls or exit data, leaving room for alternative explanations such as Burnham's personal popularity as Greater Manchester mayor. Viewers receive limited context on Starmer's national polling or full candidate performances. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the result and Reform's forward outlook rather than editorializing. Overall reliable but thin on substantiating the load-bearing anecdotal claim.
Key Moments
Makerfield has been a safe Labour seat for a hundred years
Historically safe Labour constituency; recent by-election triggered by resignation to allow Burnham's candidacy
Reform voters said they voted Burnham to get Starmer out
Tice's anecdotal report; no independent polls or exit data cited to confirm scale of tactical voting
Greater Manchester mayoral contest expected end of July
By-election triggered by Burnham's win; sources confirm expected date around 30 July 2026
Sources Consulted
- Makerfield byelection: Burnham’s decisive win sharpens threat to Starmer’s leadership – UK politics live
- Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, paving way for leadership challenge
- Richard Tice says Reform supporters in Makerfield voted tactically for Burnham
- Andy Burnham wins key UK by-election, paving way to challenge Keir Starmer