In contrast, Labour’s fate in the two Scottish by-elections was dire – a drop of 19 points in Aberdeen and 18 points in Arbroath.

A statement win in Makerfield has given Andy Burnham a chance to take on Sir Keir Starmer and become prime minister. What do voters now expect from their new MP? Dan Haygarth…

This weekend Keir Starmer is talking to his cabinet, his staff and Labour MPs as it seems his premiership is hanging by a thread.