Final push for votes in high stakes Makerfield by-election

Candidates are making their final pitch for votes in the Makerfield by-election, in a contest that could also determine who becomes the next prime minister.

Labour candidate and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he becomes an MP again following Thursday's poll.

His closest rival for the seat, Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, was second in the constituency at the 2024 general election.

The few opinion polls which have been conducted in the constituency so far suggest Burnham leading, but the race is expected to be tight.

Reform won all seats in the area in recent local elections - and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is knocking on doors in the constituency in support of his party's candidate as the four-week campaign reaches its climax.

Kenyon has emphasised his working class background and local roots, but has faced criticism over past social media posts, including his position on Brexit, abortion and Ukraine.

When challenged about his past remarks, he told the BBC's Chris Mason he was not a "career politician" and people would "feel listened to" if he became the MP.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Makerfield MP Josh Simons, who stood down to pave the way for Burnham to attempt to win the seat and return to Westminster.

Burnham has also played up his local credentials as he grew up in the constituency, but has faced claims from opponents that he is using the contest as a stepping stone to Number 10.

He has vowed to make Westminster "work" for Makerfield and communities like it, which he says have been overlooked for too long. He is due to address supporters at an eve of poll rally later.

The prime minister has warned Burnham - and his party - that a leadership contest would be a "bad" thing for the country and that he would fight any challenge.

He also indicated that he would offer Burnham a cabinet job if he wins in Makerfield, telling reporters: "I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government."

Restore Britain, a new party founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, is fighting its first by-election in Makerfield and has been polling a distant third, but ahead of the Conservatives, Greens and Liberal Democrats.

The party's candidate, local businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd, has promised to "put Makerfield first" and fight for the new party's national priorities of "reversing mass immigration" and "rewarding British workers" if elected.

Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley, a former mayor of Wigan, is promising to regenerate high streets and reduce road congestion.

Lib Dem Jake Austin, a councillor in nearby Stockport, is also emphasising local issues and offering a "sensible alternative" to Labour and Reform.

Green candidate Sarah Wakefield, a councillor on Manchester City Council, was chosen after the party's first candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew from the race.

Her message to voters in Makerfield is "don't vote in anger, vote in hope".