Voters are going to the polls in Makerfield today as Andy Burnham seeks to return to Westminster in what could be one of the most consequential by-elections in British political history.
Mr Burnham, Labour’s candidate in the Greater Manchester constituency, is seeking a return to Parliament to oust Sir Keir Starmer and replace him as Prime Minister.
Sir Keir said on Wednesday he was willing to offer the Mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his Government, should Mr Burnham win when the results are announced early on Friday.
But allies of Mr Burnham said he was not interested in the offer. Mr Burnham and his allies are reported to be hoping for a “coronation” in which Sir Keir stands aside, rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would be damaging to the Labour Party’s brand.
Speaking in his final campaign event on Wednesday evening, Mr Burnham said that “change is coming” to Westminster as a result of the by-election.
But Mr Burnham faces a tough challenge to win the seat from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The party’s Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, was second in the constituency at the 2024 general election. Reform won all seats in the area in recent local elections.
Opinion polls conducted in the constituency before today suggest Burnham leading, but the race is expected to be tight. Prior polls have suggested Reform UK is losing voters to Restore Britain, a party to its right with a more hard-line approach to migration and other issues.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Makerfield by-election: When will the result be announced?
21:42 , Megan Howe
The count will begin shortly after the polls close at 10pm.
The results are then expected in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4 or 5am.
Stay tuned tomorrow morning as we take you through the results.
Could Andy Burnham be Labour's lucky general as he marches on No10?
20:29 , Alastair Lockhart
June 18th will forever go down in the annals of British history.
After a march on the capital to seize power, Napoleon moved on from Paris and was defeated on that June date by Wellington at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
"I would rather have lucky generals than good ones," the French Emperor is quoted as once saying, even though historians doubt he ever actually uttered those words.
But could “King of the North” Andy Burnham be Labour’s lucky general?
Read our Chief Reporter Nicholas Cecil’s full analysis here.
Londoners face £1,000 property tax rise under land levy backed by Andy Burnham
19:15 , Alastair Lockhart
Hundreds of thousands of Londoners could be hit with a £1,000 tax rise if a land value levy backed by Andy Burnham is introduced to replace council tax and stamp duty.
Such a major change is likely to impact on the capital hardest, just as the new “mansion tax” has given that the city is more wealthy than other regions.
The Greater Manchester Mayor has long supported major reform of the property tax system.
When will we know the results?
18:14 , Alastair Lockhart
There are just a few hours left for voters in Makerfield to cast their ballot.
When polls close, the count will begin shortly after 10pm on Thursday evening.
The results are then expected in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4 or 5am.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin condemned for 'dreadful' domestic abuse comments
16:50 , Megan Howe
Reform UK’s first female MP has faced criticism after a social media post in which she appeared to excuse domestic violence.
In a post on X she said: “England won the football last night.
“And thank god they did because, on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidents of domestic violence go through the roof.
“So, boys. Keep winning.”
While what she says is true, the MP appears to make light of a serious situation, suggesting that violence can be avoided if the England men’s team just “keep winning”.
For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Art8B5gzaf
— Sarah Pochin MP (@SarahForRuncorn) June 18, 2026
“This is so bad, I thought it was parody,” one person said.
“This is dreadful,” another said.
“You are an utter disgrace,” said another.
“How about men not hitting women at all,” another added.
What is Andy Burnham's property tax and how will it impact Londoners?
16:10 , Niva Yadav
The Mayor of Manchester has mooted a property tax for a number of years now, going back as far as when he first bid to become Labour in 2010.
More than a decade later, he is now hoping to secure the Labour premiership and launch his property tax overhaul.
But what will it mean for London? What will it involve and how will it work? Is it even needed?
See our explainer here to find out exactly what Andy Burnham’s premiership could mean for London.
What will Starmer do?
15:50 , Niva Yadav
Sir Keir Starmer has not yet appeared in Makerfield despite promising he would support Andy Burnham’s race against Reform UK.
Other Labour frontbenchers like Lucy Powell have shown up to back Burnham, while Dawn Butler and Angela Rayner have also rallied behind the “King of the North”.
Nobody knows for sure what Sir Keir is thinking, but it is understood that he will put up a fight.
Just yesterday, the Prime Minister offered Burnham a “big part” in his government, suggesting he would use a cabinet position to pacify any potential challenges to his premiership.
It seems unlikely that Burnham would accept such an offer as he has made no secret of his leadership ambitions.
Andy Burnham poses with youngest fan
15:40 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has shared pictures of a “special visitor” at the campaign centre in Makerfield.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester posed with 5-week old Harley in photos shared on social media.
He added: “Vote Hope today”.
A special visitor to the campaign centre - 5 week old Harley!
— Andy Burnham for Makerfield (@andy4makerfield) June 18, 2026
Vote Hope today ☀️ pic.twitter.com/LoNTAZuVQh
Sir Keir and Reeves accused of rushing Heathrow expansion amid Burnham threat
15:30 , Niva Yadav
Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are being accused of rushing plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Critics have said the rushed blueprint is an attempt to clutch onto power amid the threat of Burnham.
Sir Sadiq Khan has also criticised the proposals.
The Standard’s chief reporter Nic Cecil has the full story here
More Labour MPs join the cavalry
15:20 , Niva Yadav
There are now a number of Labour MPs lining the streets of Makerfield to help get Labour over the line in today’s by-election.
We’ve already spotted Lucy Powell, Dawn Butler, and Angela Rayner. Now, former Defence Minister Al Carns, Lucy Rigby and Tony Vaughan have joined the cavalry in the north of England.
Out with @tonyvaughanMP and @LucyRigby and the brilliant Labour team. Get out and vote 🌹🌹 pic.twitter.com/tUf0mDTsFh
— Al Carns (@AlistairCarns) June 18, 2026
When could a leadership contest be held?
15:06 , Niva Yadav
If Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, he intends on challenging Sir Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10.
The journey won’t be straight forward, but rumour has it that the leadership contest could be launched within weeks.
First, Mr Burnham needs to gain the support of 81 Labour MPs (20% of the parliamentary party) to trigger the contest.
Then comes the battle of winning that contest, and it won’t be Starmer alone that Mr Burnham will be up against.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also been eyeing up the position and has suggested he will also launch a bid for Labour leadership.
What will this mean for London?
14:30 , Niva Yadav
Burnham has been dubbed the “anti-London” mayor and so, a win for Labour could be a massive loss for London.
This includes a potential £1k tax rise, The Standard’s Nic Cecil reports. You can read the full piece here.
Rachael Burford also looks back at Andy Burnham’s nearly decade-long tenure at Mayor of Manchester and weighs up if the King of the North is really as anti-London as his critics suggest. You can read the full piece here.
"Keir is our Prime Minister. I am his Chancellor", says Reeves
14:15 , Niva Yadav
While many Labour MPs, including Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, and Lucy Powell are rallying in Makerfield to get Labour across the line, Rachel Reeves has been speaking at the Times CEO Summit in London.
The Chancellor said there was “no vacancy” for her job, despite rife rumours of Burnham launching a leadership challenge should he win in Makerfield.
She said: “Keir is our Prime Minister. I am his Chancellor. I am getting on with the job of being Chancellor of the Exchequer and I plan to continue in that role.”
'It's gonna be closer than people think": Lucy Powell backs Burnham
14:01 , Niva Yadav
Deputy prime minister Lucy Powell has warned the by-election will be “closer than people think.”
“Please come and help today,” she said in a post on X as she appealed for Labour supporters to cast their vote.
There are hundreds and hundreds of activists in Makerfield today.
— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) June 18, 2026
Come and help Get out the Vote pic.twitter.com/v55xZo1dnJ
She is one of a number of Labour MPs who have travelled to Makerfield today to rally support for Andy Burnham.
Robert Kenyon speaks to press in Ashton
13:30 , Niva Yadav
Robert Kenyon, Reform UK’s candidate, is speaking to press at Ashton in Makerfield.
He also appears to have changed into a suit, after flouting an England football shirt earlier this morning when he cast his vote.
A dozen other candidates in the race
13:16 , Niva Yadav
While it feels like a two-horse race, there are a dozen other candidates also standing in today’s by-election.
You can see the full list of candidates below, but we’ve picked out a few notable entries.
Standing for Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain is Rebecca Shepherd. If she wins, she’ll be the second MP from the party to join its leader in the House of Commons. Restore Britain has been snatching votes from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and gaining momentum in recent months.
The Lib Dems have put forward Jake Austin, who previously ran in the 2024 Manchester mayoral election, losing out to none other than Andy Burnham. Will he be stung twice by the King of the North?
Robert Pownall is an independent who is only being mentioned here because he campaigns dressed as a fox. His manifesto is largely themed around protecting wildlife. He’s also dressed as a giant gannet....
Andy Burnham joins supporters in Makerfield
13:02 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has joined supporters at the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan.
Images show the Greater Manchester Mayor surrounded by supporters.
Earlier today, we saw Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon cast his vote. We won’t see Andy Burnham do the same, as he’s not legible to vote in this by-election.
Rupert Lowe arrives in Makerfield
12:51 , Niva Yadav
Restore Britain’s Rupert Lowe has been speaking to voters in Makerfield as voting gets underway.
Rupert Lowe’s party will be looking to make some gains in this by-election, likely from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Restore Britain candidate Rebecca Shepherd has lived in Wigan most her adult life and has pledged to focus on SEND access, accountability, and honest representation.
When will the Makerfield by-election results be announced?
12:30 , Niva Yadav
Voters will have until 10pm today to cast their votes and decide the fate of Makerfield.
Andy Burnham is hopeful of a win that will secure his pathway to Westminster, while Nigel Farage looks to cement his control in the Labour heartlands.
We’ll know who came out victorious likely in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4am or 5am.
Burnham's cavalry arrive in Makerfield
12:15 , Niva Yadav
A whole host of familiar faces have arrived in Makerfield to support Andy Burnham.
Political figures like Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell both arrived in Ashton-in-Makerfield as voting gets underway, while former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow also arrived to show his support.
An unlikely face was also in Makerfield yesterday evening. Namely, Hugh Grant. The famed British actor listened to Burnham speak at a rally yesterday evening.
Angela Rayner spotted in Makerfield
12:02 , Niva Yadav
Angela Rayner has joined the Labour campaigners up in Wigan as voting gets underway.
The former deputy prime minister has previously hit out at the NEC’s decision to block Burnham’s return to government.
Time to vote
11:40 , Niva Yadav
Voters around Makerfield are heading to the polling stations to vote. Everything you need to know about the vote can be found here.
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What does this mean for Reform UK?
11:26 , Niva Yadav
As Nigel Farage does his rounds of the polling stations, it will not be lost on him how monumental this by-election could be for Reform UK.
The party lost out in Caerphilly last year to Plaid Cymru and suffered another defeat in Gorton and Denton to Zack Polanski’s Greens.
But this time, they could be in with a chance to prove their ability and take over Labour heartland.
Just arrived to cast my vote in the by-election.
— Cllr Rob Kenyon (@RobKenyonReform) June 18, 2026
Something Andy Burnham cannot do. pic.twitter.com/LEwXARoQ2U
Polling underway as Farage makes appearance in Makerfield
11:15 , Niva Yadav
Nigel Farage has made an appearance alongside Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon in Makerfield this morning.
The pair posed for photos outside a polling station in Winstanley. The parish incidentally shares its name with the Tory candidate - Michael Winstanley.
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Andy Burnham puts out his final pitch
11:07 , Niva Yadav
We thought we’d received Andy Burnham’s final speech at his rally in Greater Manchester last night.
But he’s since posted two videos this morning in a final bid to voters. This time, it actually is the Manchester mayor’s final campaign update.
“It’s going to be close so please get out and vote hope today!,” he said on X.
My final campaign update.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 18, 2026
It’s going to be close so please get out and vote hope today! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/J0EYyhRU4j
Why does Burnham want Starmer to go?
10:40 , Niva Yadav
You might ask why Burnham is so desperate to oust Sir Keir. But he is not alone. A lot of MPs want Starmer out of No.10.
Around 100 Labour MPs in total are all calling on Starmer to quit following a devastating set of local elections where Labour suffered humiliating losses to Reform UK.
The party is now desperately looking for a recovery and it seems they see a light in Burnham. Not only has the Greater Manchester mayor earned himself a good reputation in his current post, but Labour backbenchers believe he has the political vision to take hold of the reigns and steer Labour in the right direction.
Tories could have more luck in Scotland by-election
10:40 , Niva Yadav
The Tories have practically been ruled out of winning the by-election in Makerfield, previous polls have suggested.
In fact, when the by-election was announced, some Conservatives suggested that the Tories should not stand at all in Makerfield so as not to split “the right-wing vote”. Jacob Rees Mogg suggested some kind of deal between the Conservatives and Reform UK to allow Nigel Farage the seat in Greater Manchester, so the Tories could make gains in Scotland.
And though there have been no such deals (all suggestions were swiftly stamped out by Kemi Badenoch), the Conservatives do still stand a chance in the Aberdeen South.
While that by-election won’t trigger a leadership challenge, it will still be interesting to see the showdown between the SNP and the Tories.
The seat has been a SNP stronghold for some seven years and losing it will be a massive blow to John Swinney.
Restore Britain looks to make gains over Reform UK
10:25 , Niva Yadav
Restore Britain has become a threat to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The party - headed up by Rupert Lowe - is more right-wing than Reform UK and will be looking to make gains in Makerfield.
A win in Makerfield would see the party win its second seat in the House of Commons. Rupert Lowe currently holds the party’s only seat in Great Yarmouth.
On social media, the party has been urging voters to “make history” in Makerfield.
Vote Restore Britain to make history in Makerfield. pic.twitter.com/N3XNkOIhLe
— Restore Britain (@RestoreBritain) June 18, 2026
Everything you need to know
10:10 , Niva Yadav
The Standard will bring you the latest as votes are cast and the result is declared, plus all the fallout that might ensue.
In the meantime, news reporter Tom Place has compiled everything you need to know as the Makerfield by-election gets underway.
You can find out who’s in the running, why there’s an election, and when we’ll know the results here.
Polling place pooches
09:55 , Niva Yadav
Nothing says polling day like pooches outside the polling stations.
Will Burnham paw his way into parliament? Or are his policies all bark and no bite? Either way, Kenyon is hot on his tail.
Everyone in contention in the Makerfield by-election
09:45 , Niva Yadav
Voting is now well and truly underway in Britain’s most consequential by-election.
Though it may feel like a “two horse race” between Labour and Reform UK, there’s a whole host of candidates in contention from parties spanning the Climate Party to the Count Binface Party and the Rejoin EU party.
Here is a full list of candidates:
- Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface, Count Binface Party
- Andy Burnham, Labour Party
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party
- John Alfred Dyer, Independent
- Ed Gemmell, Climate Party
- Paul Richard Gould, Independent
- Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
- Robert Pownall, Independent (Protect The Wild)
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party
Burnham cleared of Covid-19 lockdown breach
09:35 , Niva Yadav
Police have confirmed they will not pursue a report alleging Andy Burnham breached lockdown rules back in June 2021.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK reported the Manchester mayor to the police over the claim and suggested Mr Burnham hosted a gathering at his home in Warrington, as reported by The Telegraph.
Sources close to Mr Burnham disputed the claims and labelled them a desperate smear on the eve of the by-election.
This morning, the Greater Manchester Police has concluded that “no further police action will be taken.”
Thousands of Labour campaigners headed for Makerfield
09:25 , Niva Yadav
Thousands of Labour campaigners are expected in Makerfield today with concerns mounting that they might “overwhelm” voters heading to the polls.
The Guardian reported that hotels are fully booked as Burnham backers head out in their masses to campaign. As many as 3,000 campaigners are estimated to be in the local area, knocking at doors and leafleting at bus stops.
Beating Reform UK has become a priority for many Labour ministers and MPs. Bridget Phillipson, Jonathan Reynolds, and David Lammy have all rallied in Makerfield in recent days.
But one face that has not been spotted in Makerfield is Sir Keir Starmer, despite promising to do so at the beginning of the campaign.
Londoners face £1,000 tax rise under land levy backed by Burnham
09:14 , Niva Yadav
Dubbed by critics as the anti-London mayor, Andy Burnham may be living up to his name as he is said to be backing a land value levy that would cost Londoners an additional £1,000 in tax rises.
The land value levy would replace council tax and stamp duty, but like “mansion tax”, it would hit the capital the hardest given the city is more wealthy than its UK counterparts.
Andy Burnham is said to be a backer of the reform.
You can read Nic Cecil’s full piece here.
Hugh Grant makes surprise appearance at Burnham rally
08:55 , Niva Yadav
Hugh Grant at a Burnham rally cannot have been on anybody’s bingo card.
But the photos prove it. The British acting legend was spotted in Wigan ahead of the Makerfield by-election, attending a rally where Mr Burnham addressed his supporters.
Is Andy Burnham Labour's lucky general?
08:41 , Niva Yadav
Today could be the UK’s most consequential by-election as voters in Makerfield decide the fate of Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour premiership.
But will Andy Burnham be the solution to Labour’s woes? Sir Keir Starmer has been up against it since Labour suffered a humiliating loss in the local elections last month.
Burnham will, however, inherit a better economic legacy than was handed to Sir Keir by the Tories in 2024. Could this and Northern grit be enough to turn around Labour’s fate?
Here, The Standard’s Nic Cecil breaks down whether Burnham is the “lucky general” Labour needs.
Wes Streeting wishes Burnham luck
08:25 , Niva Yadav
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has wished Andy Burnham luck as voting gets underway in Makerfield.
In a post on X, Mr Streeting described the by-election as a “two-horse race” between Reform UK and Andy Burnham for Labour.
Mr Streeting has suggested this week that he would be prepared for a leadership. contest as early as next week.
However, like many Labour backbenchers, Streeting suggested that the Prime Minister should be given time to “take a decision on his own terms” rather than letting a leadership race be triggered.
He has been backed as an underdog in the potential leadership race against Burnham.
Good luck to @AndyBurnhamGM today!
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) June 18, 2026
Make sure you use your vote in Makerfield today - it’s a two horse race between Andy and Reform.
Vote Labour 🌹 https://t.co/5Ir879dQul
Don't forget about the Greens
08:15 , Niva Yadav
It would be easy to forget about Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield in a battle that seems to be between just two parties.
But Ms Wakefield has launched her final pitch to voters, promising to “sort out social housing” and protect “green spaces.”
Makerfield - Vote Green today 💚 pic.twitter.com/NAJKslJPQO
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) June 18, 2026
The Manchester City councillor is currently on maternity leave as a charity director.
Burnham turned down 'big role' in Starmer government
08:05 , Niva Yadav
Just yesterday Andy Burnham shut down all offers of accepting a ‘big role’ in Sir Keir’s government if he wins the Makerfield by-election.
Sir Keir appeared to offer an olive branch to the Manchester Mayor, potentially signalling an invitation into the cabinet. But sources close to Mr Burnham have said he is not interested.
What’s become clear is that Mr Burnham has his eyes on one prize - and that’s a spot in Number 10.
You can read the full piece here.
What will it mean for London if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield election?
07:55 , Niva Yadav
The Mayor of Manchester has repeatedly faced accusations of being anti-London and has claimed that northerners can “face discrimination”.
He has polled as favourite in exit polls, but a win for Burnham could be a potential loss for London.
Transport spending in the capital is just one of the things that could come under fire if Burnham rises to power as has been predicted.
You can read our full analysis of what Burnham’s win could mean for London here.
What happens if Andy Burnham wins?
07:45 , Niva Yadav
Winning the by-election does not automatically mean Andy Burnham will replace Sir Keir Starmer.
First, Mr Burnham would have to win a Labour leadership contest, which can only be triggered with the backing of 81 Labour MPs.
After that, a vote will take place. In that vote, Mr Burnham will have to secure at least 50% of the vote.
But don’t forget - Wes Streeting and potentially former defence minister Al Carns are also be eyeing up Number 10 and could pip Mr Burnham to the post in a leadership race.
You can read the full analysis of what might happen next here.
Makerfield is not the only by-election today
07:40 , Niva Yadav
Makerfield is not the only by-election taking place today, with voters in Scottish constituencies Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South also heading to polling stations.
But all eyes will be on Makerfield as it is this by-election which could trigger a leadership contest should Labour’s Andy Burnham cinch the win.
The Greater Manchester Mayor is expected to challenge Sir Keir if all goes his way, marking his return back to Westminster after standing down as MP in the 2017 general election.
His previous attempts to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election had been blocked by the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee.
"Vote hope": Andy Burnham's final pitch
07:30 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has urged voters to “vote hope” in a final pitch on Wednesday evening.
The Greater Manchester Mayor urged voters not to back Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon, as he claimed the party’s victory could lead to a “darker and more divided politics”.
“There is a path that carries on and makes Britain look more and more like the United States of America, and we do not, in my view, want to end up there, where people can’t talk to each other in the street. That’s not the Britain I know, and the Britain that I love, and that’s not the path that we should be taking,” Mr Burnham said.
Vote Hope.@AndyBurnhamGM’s full speech this evening. pic.twitter.com/23LAJRtgn2
— Andy Burnham for Makerfield (@andy4makerfield) June 17, 2026
In a comical blunder with technology, Andy Burnham forgot to turn on the sound in one of his final videos posted on X. He’ll be hoping the by-election goes smoother than that.
"I understand the pressures facing local families": Rob Kenyon's final pitch
07:25 , Niva Yadav
In his final appeal to voters, Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon said: “This election is on a knife edge and every vote will matter.
“I understand the pressures facing local families in Makerfield... because my family faces them too.”
This election is on a knife edge and every vote will matter.
— Cllr Rob Kenyon (@RobKenyonReform) June 18, 2026
I understand the pressures facing local families in Makerfield... because my family faces them too.
Vote Reform UK today. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/tdmVeNRjyf
It was not too long ago that a series of controversial and offensive comments were unearthed from Rob Kenyon’s social media accounts.
The local plumber has since deleted the posts which saw him share transphobic and misogynistic comments, as well as Covid-19 misinformation.
At the time, Nigel Farage defended Mr Kenyon, explaining the posts were “a few laddish things” and were “taken wildly out of context.”
What you need to know ahead of today
07:20 , Niva Yadav
As the doors to polling stations open across the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield, here’s the current state of play.
All the candidates have made their final pitches to voters ahead of Thursday’s vote.
Andy Burnham, the so-called “King of the North”, said that “change is coming” to Westminster.
He added: “This is a chance to vote for change, for change in politics, for change in our economy, to vote for people, to make life better for people. It is a vote for Makerfield. It is a vote for hope”
Mr Burnham is hopeful that a win in the by-election could allow him to oust Sir Keir Starmer and replace him as Prime Minister.
He will face off against Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who came second in the 2024 general election. Nigel Farage’s party has celebrated successes in the area following local elections in May and will now be hopeful about assuming the Makerfield seat.
In a video posted on X, the Reform UK party leader said: “What is clear is if you vote for anyone other than Rob, you’re effectively voting for Labour.”
Polling day! Polls open for potentially seismic UK by-election
07:10 , Niva Yadav
After a stunning win for England in their World Cup opener last night, it’s back to business for what could be a seismic by-election.
In Makerfield, voters will shortly be heading to polling stations across the Greater Manchester constituency to elect their new MP.
Among those in contention for the seat are former cabinet minister and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for Labour, Reform’s Robert Kenyon, Restore’s Rebecca Shepherd, and the Green’s Sarah Wakefield.
Despite calls from some Conservatives to step aside in the by-election, the Tories have put forward Michael Winstanley.
It’s expected to be a tight contest between Labour and Reform UK, but a win for Sir Keir’s party could also mean an end to his premiership as Andy Burnham looks to replace him in Number 10.
Polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm, with results expected early on Friday.
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