Labour faces an almighty task to hold onto Makerfield, a seat which typifies its red wall heartlands. Is Andy Burnham the party’s only chance of stopping Reform in this former coal-mining area, which could send him to Downing Street? Dan Haygarth finds out

Contest could give Andy Burnham — who has eyes on the Labour leadership — a route back into parliament to challenge Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham enters the Makerfield by-election race. His chances of winning now at 66% YES.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester would need to win the seat near before launching any formal leadership challenge

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Makerfield by-election, where Andy…

Andy Burnham said the vote is an opportunity to 'change Labour' as as his high-stakes battle for the Makerfield constituency ramps up.

Andy Bunrham takes the next step in his attempt to get back to the House of Commons as he launches his campaign for the Makerfield by-election today

Andy Burnham hopes to return to Westminster by winning the Makerfield by-election

Resident spoke to The Mirror as Andy Burnham officially launched his by-election campaign outside Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club, declaring: 'Hope is in the air'

Labour faces an almighty task to hold onto Makerfield, a seat which typifies its red wall heartlands. Is Andy Burnham the party’s only chance of stopping Reform in this former…

Labour left-winger Andy Burnham wants to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. First, he must convince the Makerfield voters and fend off Reform UK. | World News

The first Makerfield by-election poll put Andy Burnham on 43 per cent support, with his Reform opponent on 40 per cent.

The first poll of the Makerfield by-election put Andy Burnham on 43 per cent support, with Nigel Farage's party close behind on 40 per cent.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester is seeking to prove he can beat Nigel Farage’s party in the crucial contest

Politics in UK: Home to nearly 80,000 people, Makerfield sits in Labour's traditional "red wall" former industrial heartlands increasingly deserting the party.

In just over three week's time voters will go to the polls in the Makerfield by-election.