From a hopeless candidate to botched strategy, this latest byelection defeat is telling. But for Labour, there is still a long and arduous journey ahead, says Guardian columnist John Harris

A Reform insider has conceded that the Andy Burnham effect coupled with an inability to deal with Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain means the party faces defeat

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

As arguably the most consequential by-election in British political history enters its final hours, Colin Drury speaks to voters for whom Nigel Farage’s party represents change…

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

The Greater Manchester Mayor is facing a tough fight from Reform - but Restore Britain could take Farage's votes

If Labour can fail in former mining towns then there may be no stopping Nigel Farage’s populist Reform party

Was Rob Kenyon really the best that Reform could come up with in a political battle that attracted widespread national interest?

Andy Burnham’s positive vision has struck a powerful blow to Reform – but the PM risks diminishing the impact by clinging on in No 10, says Neal Lawson of the cross-party campaign…

From a hopeless candidate to botched strategy, this latest byelection defeat is telling. But for Labour, there is still a long and arduous journey ahead, says Guardian columnist…

Nigel Farage pointed to tactical voting against the PM as well as the fact that Andy Burnham is a 'popular local mayor'.

Political editor David Maddox explains why the crushing by-election defeat shows that the Reform bubble has burst

Reform UK party leader calls Andy Burnham’s byelection win ‘emphatic’ and makes appeal to voters of far-right Restore Britain

The unstoppable Nigel Farage is looking increasingly stoppable in the wake of Makerfield. The actual prime minister, meanwhile, has gone into hiding, says Guardian columnist…

Makerfield shows the challenges Reform is facing, from Restore and tactical voting to questions over that £5m gift

"For Nigel Farage, the Makerfield result is crushing. His party’s senior leadership expected to be the story of the night. Instead, it fell more than 9,000 votes short and was…

There will be many words written about the Makerfield and Aberdeen by-elections, but one thing is clear - the results have left the idea of the Conservatives doing a deal with…

Makerfield by-election result spells big trouble for Nigel Farage, as voters on the left show they are willing to co-operate while the right is split