In the long history of British democracy, there has never been a more important by-election then the epic contest now underway at Makerfield in Greater Manchester.

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

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