Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleVoters in Makerfield, a north-west constituency, are participating in a high-stakes by-election today, which could significantly impact the future leadership of the Labour Party. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is standing as the Labour candidate, having openly expressed ambitions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership if he secures the seat. Reform UK's candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local councillor, is also a strong contender, following his party's success in May's local elections where they won all council wards in Makerfield. The by-election is particularly significant as Makerfield, historically a Labour 'safe seat' since 1983, saw Labour's majority significantly reduced in the 2024 general election and Reform UK dominate local polls. A tight contest is anticipated between Labour and Reform UK, with polling stations closing at 10pm and the final results expected to be declared in the early hours of Friday morning, between 4am and 5am. In fullWhat time is the Makerfield by-election result announced and is there an exit poll?Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA Reform UK board member has admitted that…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA Reform UK board member has admitted that…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

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

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham will not accept a position in…

Reform UK worries over losing support to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain, which may split the right-wing vote

Andy Burnham looks to return to Westminster via the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a potential Labour leadership challenge.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleVoters in Makerfield, north-west England,…

Polling stations have opened as Andy Burnham attempts to return to the Commons so he can challenge Keir Starmer.

Polling stations have opened as Andy Burnham attempts to return to the Commons so he can challenge Keir Starmer.

Residents of Makerfield vote in crucial by-electionLabour nervously confident Burnham will win seat in parliamentResults due early tomorrowPrime Minister Starmer says he will...

Polls suggest it will be a tight race between Labour candidate Andy Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon

Burnham is regarded by many Labour MPs as the party's best chance of recovery following the disastrous May local elections. #EuropeNews

Andy Burnham hopes a successful byelection will mean he can encourage Keir Starmer to step aside as prime minister

Everything you need to know about the high-stakes vote that could determine the UK’s next prime minister

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Reform UK worries over losing support to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain, which may split the right-wing vote