Party politicians and activists including a former leader have told Zack Polanski that it is in the party's interests to lend support to the Greater Manchester mayor on June 18.

Andy Burnham expected to address supporters in the morning as he officially launches campaign to be Labour candidate for Makerfield

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

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

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

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launched his campaign for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, with a thinly veiled pitch for the keys to Downing Street

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".

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.

Former party leaders and councillors warned the contest must be approached with 'trepidation' - as Andy Burnham's appointment could offer a 'unique opportunity'.

Party politicians and activists including a former leader have told Zack Polanski that it is in the party's interests to lend support to the Greater Manchester mayor on June 18.

As Andy Burnham, who is still mayor of Greater Manchester in his spare time, campaigns to win the Makerfield by-election in fewer than four weeks, he knows how much is at stake.…

The left-wing party is split over how hard to challenge Andy Burnham, with some urging against a ‘full campaign’ against the electoral reform believer