Polls open in by-election that could determine next prime minister
Why Nigel Farage could be biggest loser of Makerfield by-election
Voters in Makerfield, north-west England, are going to the polls on Thursday in a by-election that could impact Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour Party.
Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Sir Keir for the leadership if he wins the seat, having gathered support among backbenchers.
Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon also has significant support in the constituency, but the party is worried about losing voters to Rupert Lowe’s party, Restore Britain, which takes a harder line on migration.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has indicated he would join a leadership contest if Mr Burnham were to challenge Sir Keir.
Polls opened at 7am and will close at 10pm on Thursday.
