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.

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.