Back to News
Greens split over how hard to challenge Burnham in Makerfield byelection
UK NewsPolitics•May 18, 2026 at 6:36 PMNational

Greens split over how hard to challenge Burnham in Makerfield byelection

By Peter Walker Senior political correspondent•The Guardian - UK News

Some in party fear all-out campaign could boost Reform’s chances but others say it is not Greens’ job to help LabourThe Greens are locked in an internal debate about how hard to challenge Andy Burnham in the Makerfield byelection, with some members worried about allowing Reform UK to win and others wanting their party to go all-out.While characterised by insiders as “very civilised”, the discussion has highlighted existing differences between Greens who believe concessions can be won from Labour through informal cooperation and others – including some newer leftwing activists – who argue it achieves little. Continue reading...

Some in party fear all-out campaign could boost Reform’s chances but others say it is not Greens’ job to help Labour

The Greens are locked in an internal debate about how hard to challenge Andy Burnham in the Makerfield byelection, with some members worried about allowing Reform UK to win and others wanting their party to go all-out.

While characterised by insiders as “very civilised”, the discussion has highlighted existing differences between Greens who believe concessions can be won from Labour through informal cooperation and others – including some newer leftwing activists – who argue it achieves little.

Continue reading...