There were lots of contested takeaways from the Makerfield by-election this week. But the one thing that seems incontrovertible is that almost everyone wanted to get rid of Keir Starmer. Some of those people voted for Reform, more did so for Burnham – in large part because that was the quickest way to change PM.

Makerfield by-election victory could rapidly propel Manchester mayor into Downing Street

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