By splitting the Right-wing vote in Thursday's Makerfield by-election, Restore could help propel Andy Burnham into Downing Street.

The Greater Manchester Mayor has been forced to retreat on various issues since standing in Makerfield

Exclusive: Latest constituency polling shows Greater Manchester mayor is slightly ahead of Reform UK – but it’s still all to play for

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham smiles during a campaign visit…

A new poll highlights the current hairbreadth margin between Manchester Mayor and PM hopeful Burnham and Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.

A poll this weekend by More in Common and the UCL Policy Lab puts Andy Burnham on 45 per cent, with Reform's Robert Kenyon on 40 per cent and Restore on 8 per cent.

With Burnham effectively campaigning to be both Makerfield's MP and Prime Minister, he has tried to bring businesses on board with various promises.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a leadership coup within hours of Thursday's by-election in Makerfield if Andy Burnham wins the crunch contest, Labour MPs have said.

Andy Burnham lashed out at the 'poisonous' politics of the US as he hinted at an immediate challenge to Keir Starmer if he wins.

By splitting the Right-wing vote in Thursday's Makerfield by-election, Restore could help propel Andy Burnham into Downing Street.

Once again, their prospects are a second-order consideration

Winning this byelection wouldn’t make Reform disappear. Would Burnham really have the courage needed to see them off in No 10, asks Guardian columnist Owen Jones