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

A debate is already underway as to how far Andy Burnham should depart from the government's current agenda

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that he would campaign alongside Andy Burnham in the crucial by-election