Just 11 weeks ago – pundits were claiming Andy Burnham couldn’t possibly win Makerfield, and that leaving his job in Greater Manchester would lead to Reform claiming its first ever Metro Mayor

Bev Craig insisted Greater Manchester's 'best days are still ahead of us' as polling stations opened at 7am on Thursday in the mayoral contest triggered by Andy Burnham's…

The election was called after prime minister Andy Burnham stood down to run as Makerfield MP