- Voters in Makerfield, a north-west constituency, are participating in a high-stakes by-election today , which could significantly impact the future leadership of the Labour Party.
- Andy Burnham , the Greater Manchester mayor, is standing as the Labour candidate, having openly expressed ambitions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership if he secures the seat.
- Reform UK's candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local councillor, is also a strong contender, following his party's success in May's local elections where they won all council wards in Makerfield.
- The by-election is particularly significant as Makerfield, historically a Labour 'safe seat' since 1983, saw Labour's majority significantly reduced in the 2024 general election and Reform UK dominate local polls.
- A tight contest is anticipated between Labour and Reform UK, with polling stations closing at 10pm and the final results expected to be declared in the early hours of Friday morning, between 4am and 5am.
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