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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePolls have closed in the Makerfield by-election, a contest widely regarded as significant for the future of UK politics. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is standing for Labour in Makerfield, aiming for a return to Westminster and potentially challenging Keir Starmer. The race is a tight head-to-head between Burnham and Reform candidate Robert Kenyon, who has faced scrutiny over controversial past social media posts. Makerfield, traditionally a safe Labour seat, has shown a recent shift towards Reform, with the party taking over 50% of the vote in local elections in the constituency's wards. Despite Keir Starmer's offer of a "big" government role, Burnham's allies suggest he is not interested, hinting at a potential leadership challenge to the Labour leader. In fullPolls close in Makerfield by-election that could decide Starmer’s futureThank 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…

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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.

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

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

If Labour candidate Andy Burnham is victorious, the party could begin a much-needed process of renewal

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

Labour’s Greater Manchester mayor predicted to beat Reform but Keir Starmer is unlikely to easily step aside

The Greater Manchester mayor has spent the past four weeks campaigning as Labour's candidate in the seat as he seeks a return to the House of Commons.

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Labour’s Greater Manchester mayor hopes a win over Reform UK will help force the prime minister to step aside

The result of the Makerfield by-election is expected in the coming hours