See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 14:52 BST, 31 May 2026 | Updated: 14:56 BST, 31 May 2026
Andy Burnham has clashed with Nigel Farage over an attack ad showing Channel migrants backing him in the Makerfield by-election.The Reform leader posted a doctored image on social media of people in a small boat carrying 'Vote Andy' placards.Stepping up his rhetoric ahead of the June 18 vote, Mr Farage insisted: 'Andy Burnham is for them, not for you.' But the Greater Manchester Mayor responded with a laughing emoji, saying: 'Are you getting desperate, lad? Maybe keep your crypto millions for something else.'An undeterred Mr Farage hit back that the mayor was funding efforts to help illegal migrants claim benefits. 'Your scheme will provide housing and benefits to people who came here illegally. I prefer to put the British people first,' he said. Nigel Farage posted a doctored image on social media of people in a small boat carrying 'Vote Andy' placards The Greater Manchester Mayor responded with a laughing emoji, saying: 'Are you getting desperate, lad? Labour insiders have voiced alarm that Andy Burnham (pictured) is already 'wargaming' a snap general election and assembling a fantasy Cabinet
