The wait is almost over.
Like football fans anticipating the World Cup, Westminster has been holding its breath for next week’s “existential” Makerfield by-election, perhaps the most consequential in recent political history.
Thursday’s poll will determine whether Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham can return to Parliament and challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the keys to Downing Street.
And if it felt make-or-break a month ago, John Healey’s devastating resignation as defence secretary in a row over military funding on Thursday ramped up the stakes even higher for a Prime Minister who has vowed to fight any leadership challenge.
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