The stakes could hardly be higher for Labour – or the country – at the Makerfield by-election. The constituency now finds itself in the bizarre position of picking the next prime minister of the UK, and if Andy Burnham fails to win over the seat with his alleged ‘King of the North’ act, it could

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"