What does Makerfield make of by-election and can Burnham win?

"The residents of Makerfield are about to find themselves at the epicentre of the political universe as a by-election battle that could decide the next prime minister is set to take place on their doorstep. The constituency, which is home to around 76,000 voters in the suburbs of Wigan and nearby former mining towns and villages, has not traditionally been a hotbed of political intrigue. A safe Labour seat since it was created in 1983, it has recently seen Reform UK sweep the board in local council elections, like many other parts of the country."

"Reform's rise is one of the factors that has led to pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign, with many of his own MPs calling for him to stand down and start a contest for a new Labour leader. The PM is digging in - and steadfastly refusing to give in to demands to set a timetable for his departure. Until yesterday, one of the favourites to replace Sir Keir, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, did not have a way to challenge him, as he is not an MP."

"The area's current MP, Josh Simons, has announced he is standing down to make way for Burnham. The stakes could not be higher for the mayor, who has made no secret of his desire to be PM, but will face a stiff challenge from Reform in the upcoming by-election, with Nigel Farage promising that his party will "throw everything" at the contest. Burnham does not have to stand down as mayor to stand in the by-election and will only resign from that position if he wins and becomes an MP again."

"But losing the contest would seriously diminish his reputation and could make a Labour leadership contest less likely, in the short term. Burnham has a long track record as a Labour MP and minister. Before becoming Greater Manchester mayor in 2017, he was elected four times as MP for the Leigh constituency."

A by-election in Makerfield, a former mining and suburban constituency near Wigan, is set to take place and could influence the next prime minister. The seat has been Labour since 1983, but Reform UK has gained ground in local council elections. Pressure has grown on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign, with some MPs demanding a timetable for departure. Starmer refuses to set one. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, previously unable to challenge Starmer because he is not an MP, will be able to run after current MP Josh Simons stands down. Burnham aims to win the seat, while Reform leader Nigel Farage promises major effort to contest it. Burnham would resign as mayor only if he wins and becomes an MP again.

Read at www.bbc.com