The Labour candidate for Makerfield is bidding to replace a prime minister who disappointed people because he offered the empty promise of ‘change’ – by offering another empty promise of ‘change’, this time with an easier manner and a northern accent, writes John Rentoul

Roots of idea for ‘ending neoliberalism’ have been growing over many months – with many different influences

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…