"Makerfield faces a choice between a Labour Party focused on jobs, homes, the NHS and economic growth, and parties offering easy answers to complex problems"

Thursday's contest could pave the way for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer's premiership.

Editorial: By offering Labour’s Makerfield candidate a role in government if he wins, the prime minister has shown how a faltering administration could yet be rebuilt. It would…