Josh Simons Resigns as Makerfield MP to Facilitate Andy Burnham’s Parliamentary Bid
Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, has announced his resignation from Parliament, a move intended to clear a path for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand for election. In a decision that has sent ripples through the Labour Party, Simons stated he is stepping aside to allow Burnham to “return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.”
The resignation marks a significant political maneuver. Simons, an ambitious figure who has been a supporter of Burnham’s potential leadership ambitions, described his decision as a necessary “shock to the Westminster system.”
A “Shock to the Westminster System”
In a post on X, Simons expressed his belief that the current political landscape is failing the people it serves. He criticized the “politics of incrementalism” and argued that Westminster has overseen the “managed decline of towns” like Makerfield for decades.
“It is my unwavering belief that nothing short of urgent, radical, courageous reform will make a difference,” Simons stated. He emphasized that his choice was between defending the status quo or acting to facilitate change, ultimately choosing the latter to support Burnham’s return to national politics.
The decision was also deeply personal. Simons noted that his family resides in the constituency, mentioning that his newborn son’s life was recently saved by medical staff at Wigan Infirmary. Despite the personal ties to the area, he maintained that his priority remains the broader fight for economic growth, border security, and political reform.
Burnham Praises Simons’ Sacrifice
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, responded to the announcement by praising the MP’s resolve. Burnham hailed the “tricky decision and sacrifice that he and his family are making,” noting that Simons has “literally put the party and the country first.”
Who is Josh Simons?
At 32 years old, Josh Simons has had a rapid political ascent. Since winning the Makerfield seat only two years ago, he has been a prominent figure within the Labour Party. His background includes:
- Thinktank Leadership: Simons previously ran Labour Together, a thinktank that played a role in helping Keir Starmer secure power and shaping his policy programme.
- Ministerial Experience: He has held a ministerial position, though he previously resigned from such a role during a scandal.
- Political Alignment: He has been a long-term supporter of Andy Burnham, positioning him as a potential successor to Keir Starmer.
Key Takeaways
- Resignation: Makerfield MP Josh Simons is stepping down from his seat in Parliament.
- Purpose: The resignation is designed to allow Andy Burnham to stand for election in a by-election.
- Motivation: Simons cited the need for “radical, courageous reform” and a departure from the “managed decline” of local towns.
- Political Impact: The move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster Burnham’s position within the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Josh Simons resigning his seat?
Simons is resigning to vacate his position as the MP for Makerfield so that Andy Burnham can stand for election and re-enter Parliament.
What is the connection between Josh Simons and Andy Burnham?
Simons has been a vocal supporter of Burnham for some time, viewing him as a leader capable of driving significant national change and potentially succeeding Keir Starmer.
What happens next for the Makerfield constituency?
Simons’ resignation will trigger a by-election, in which Andy Burnham is expected to stand as a candidate.