Key facts
- A by-election is taking place in Makerfield, northwest England.
- The by-election is scheduled for Thursday.
- The outcome of the Makerfield by-election is seen as pivotal for Keir Starmer's leadership.
- Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, is seeking the Makerfield seat.
- Andy Burnham is reportedly considering a challenge for the Labour leadership.
The upcoming by-election in Makerfield, located in northwest England, is scheduled for Thursday and is being characterized as a pivotal moment that could determine the leadership future of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The significance of this by-election stems from the candidacy of Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham is reportedly seeking the Makerfield seat with the potential intention of challenging Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party. This development places the Makerfield by-election at the center of discussions regarding the internal dynamics and future direction of the Labour Party, with its outcome potentially influencing Starmer's position and the party's broader strategy.