Outgoing Labour MP Josh Simons leave the BBC headquarters in London, after appearing on "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" political television show, on May 17, 2026. The by-election in Makerfield -- which sits within the Greater Manchester city-region that Burham has led as mayor since 2017 -- will only happen because its current Labour MP, Josh Simons announced Thursday he was resigning. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP via Getty Images)