Britain holds a crucial by-election today. The vote could trigger a leadership challenge against Labour's Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham, a popular mayor, aims to win the seat to run for party leader. If he wins, Starmer's position becomes precarious. The outcome rests with voters in the Makerfield constituency. A result is expected early Friday.

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.

A crucial byelection in northern England on Thursday could well trigger a change in Britain’s prime minister – and soul-searching for Nigel Farage.