In Makerfield for the byelection that could change everything – podcast | Makerfield byelection

On Thursday, Makerfield hosts what is surely the most important byelection in memory.

If Andy Burnham wins, he will challenge Keir Starmer for the Labor leadership and try to rescue the party and government from the current doldrums.

If he loses, Labor is unlikely to have an answer to the rise of Reform over the last two years. Nigel Farage’s party would overtake Labour’s most popular politician, and Farage himself would appear closer than ever to No 10.

Helen Pidd He travels to Makerfield to hear from voters and speaks to the Guardian’s north England editor. Josh HallidayIt’s about how British politics could look very different on Friday morning.