Why a Manchester by-election has the whole UK watching and what it means for Starmer (opens original article in a new tab)

The Makerfield by-election in the UK is a pivotal event for Labour leader Keir Starmer, as Andy Burnham, a prominent critic, seeks to win the seat to challenge Starmer's leadership, with the outcome potentially affecting Starmer's position as prime minister.

• A by-election in Makerfield, UK, is seen as critical for Labour leader Keir Starmer's future.
• Andy Burnham, a long-time critic of Starmer, is running to regain a parliamentary seat to challenge Starmer for leadership.
• Polls suggest Burnham is likely to win, but the race is tight with significant influence from the hard-right Reform UK party.