Key facts
- A special election is underway in the Makerfield constituency, Greater Manchester.
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is the leading candidate.
- The outcome is seen as a critical test for Labour leader Keir Starmer's position.
- Josh Simons resigned as MP to allow Burnham to contest the seat.
- Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain are also contesting the election.
Voters in the UK constituency of Makerfield are participating in a crucial by-election that could significantly impact the leadership of the Labour Party and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, is the frontrunner for the seat, which became vacant after former MP Josh Simons resigned to facilitate Burnham's return to Parliament.
The election is viewed by many within the Labour Party as a referendum on Starmer's leadership, especially following substantial losses in the May local elections. Reports indicate that around 90 Labour MPs are calling for Starmer to step down, though he has publicly stated his intention to remain in office. Burnham, considered by many Labour MPs as a strong contender for party recovery, has pledged to "change politics" if elected.
Other parties, including Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain, are also competing, focusing on issues like immigration. Burnham's past calls for the UK to rejoin the EU have also been a point of discussion, though he has recently stated that revisiting Brexit arguments is not the priority. Polls are open from 7 am to 10 pm on Thursday, with results expected early Friday.