In Makerfield for the byelection that could change everything - podcast. Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday.
A Pivotal Moment for British Politics
On Thursday, Makerfield is hosting what is surely the most consequential byelection in memory. If he wins, Andy Burnham will challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership – and attempt to save the party and the government from its current malaise. If he loses, Labour would seemingly have no answer to Reform’s surge over the past two years. Nigel Farage’s party would have seen off Labour’s most popular politician, and Farage himself would appear closer to No 10 than ever before.
Voices from the Constituency
Helen Pidd heads to Makerfield to hear from voters, and talks to the Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday, about how British politics could look very different on Friday morning. The atmosphere on the ground is tense, with many voters expressing frustration with the current government and a desire for change. Some see Burnham as a credible alternative to Starmer, while others are drawn to Reform UK’s promises of stricter immigration controls and economic reform.
The Stakes for Labour
The byelection is seen as a bellwether for Labour’s future direction. A victory for Burnham could trigger a leadership challenge, potentially reshaping the party’s policies and strategy. A loss, however, would embolden Reform UK and deepen divisions within Labour. Political analysts note that the outcome could have ripple effects across the UK, influencing public confidence in both major parties.
Photograph: Rod Harbinson/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
