Sat in the Sir Thomas Gerard pub in the centre of Ashton-in-Makerfield the prospect of Andy Burnham becoming their MP - and possibly PM -has locals divided.
Over an afternoon coffee, or pint, the talk is of whether the “Burnham effect” will be enough to hold off the threat of Reform. Disappointment in Keir Starmer’s government is clear, but so is Burnham’s popularity from his time as Greater Manchester Mayor.
He has announced his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election, which was triggered by Josh Simons MP standing down - but faces a tough route back to parliament. Bookies make Burnham 4/6 favourite - but in the recent local elections Reform won 50.4% of the vote, with Labour trailing on just 22.7%.
On Friday Labour's powerful National Executive Committee (NEC) said it would not block him from standing again. The party's candidate is set to be announced next week.
