In the ex-mayor's old patch there are mixed emotions about his by-election win – and his march towards Downing Street

Andy Burnham secured a majority of 9,000 votes over Reform in a result that sparked tears of joy from Left-wingers - who now hope to force far more extreme tax and spend policies.

The Greater Manchester mayor was declared the constituency's new MP in the early hours of Friday, as he defeated his Reform UK rival to bring an end to his 9-year hiatus from the…