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.

It’s been another bizarre week in Westminster, with Sir Keir Starmer going about business as if everything is completely normal.

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…