There has never been a by-election like the one looming in Makerfield. Andy Burnham may have been prevented by Labour's ruling body from standing in a by-election back in February, but now the red carpet seems to have been rolled out and no-one else's name was even put forward.

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

The Mayor of Manchester has several obstacles to overcome on the long road to Westminster