STORY
Voters are going to the polls in the Makerfield by-election, with the contest being watched closely because of its potential implications for Labour’s national leadership. Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is standing for Labour in the seat after the resignation of Josh Simons, and a victory would return him to Westminster.
The contest has attracted national attention because Burnham is widely regarded as a possible challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Reuters reported that the result could shape whether a leadership contest develops, with Starmer saying he would fight any challenge and arguing that such a contest would be bad for the country.
Reform UK is also contesting the seat, with Robert Kenyon as its candidate, while other parties are seeking to use the by-election to test Labour’s support after recent political difficulties. The result is expected after polls close on Thursday evening and will be assessed for both the local outcome and its national political consequences.