WorldEuropeUK politicsOpinionMakerfield maketh the man: The byelection that could end Keir StarmerA crucial byelection in northern England on Thursday could well trigger a change in Britain’s prime minister - and soul-searching for Nigel Farage.Andrew TillettEurope correspondentThey are the northern English towns and teams rich in rugby league lore.But just as the “northern game” is often sneered at by the rest of England, places like Wigan, St Helens and Leigh are often overlooked by London’s political and media elite, wedged between the more dynamic Liverpool and Manchester and their storied soccer teams.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Latest In EuropeFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In World