Statement follows speculation party would not field candidate in Makerfield or barely fight seat

Winning the Makerfield by-election could be a major challenge for Andy Burnham, as he is eyeing up a new role in Westminster.

Andy Burnham has been offered a path back to Parliament after a Labour MP stood down, triggering a by-election which the Mayor of Greater Manchester hopes to contest.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham…

Burnham is a well-known face to voters in Makerfield and many who had previously turned to Reform UK tell The i Paper they plan to back him on his way to Westminster

Andy Burnham may have a route back to Westminster – and a path to the Labour leadership. But can he defeat Reform UK in Makerfield? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s north of…

Andy Burnham has announced his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election but Reform vow to "throw everything at it"

Statement follows speculation party would not field candidate in Makerfield or barely fight seat

Greater Manchester mayor to stand for Parliament again but will face tough competition from Reform UK

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Reform, which won more than 50% of the local election vote, is likely to focus heavily on immigration and Brexit