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

Labour could get an eight-point boost with Andy Burnham at its helm and move ahead of Nigel Farage's party with 30% of the vote to Reform's 27% if an election was held tomorrow.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater…

Andy Burnham took a gamble with the constituents of Makerfield when he told them that a vote for him would be a "vote to change Labour".

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 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

I worked in No 10 - vibes won't be enough to see off Farage

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

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

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