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.

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.

The Greater Manchester mayor is Labour's candidate in the 18 June contest and is hoping to secure a return to Westminster with a view to challenging Keir Starmer.

The Makerfield by-election matters hugely. Not only is Andy Burnham seeking a return to Parliament, he will also likely become prime minister if he succeeds at defeating Reform in…

Even though there is a clear anti-Labour - and thus anti-Burnham - majority in Makerfield, the presence of the Restore Britain candidate could split that vote and hand victory to…