UK goes to polls for pivotal by-elections - Taipei Times

‘KING OF THE NORTH’:

Pollsters expect Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to win, who would easily gain the support of 81 of the 400-plus MPs needed to launch a contest

AFP, ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England

The UK yesterday held a key local election that could trigger the endgame for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s beleaguered premiership, or win him a reprieve.Labour Party veteran and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is looking to win the parliamentary by-election for the Makerfield constituency in northwestern England, so that he can then try to replace Starmer as prime minister.Polling stations opened at 7am and were to close at 10pm, with counting due to begin straight away.

People yesterday arrive at a polling station set up in a community center in Hindley, part of the Makerfield p