Makerfield by-election live: Polls open in historic vote as Burnham eyes Starmer leadership challenge

A Reform UK board member admitted Andy Burnham was “making things very difficult” for the party in the crucial Makerfield by-election as internal data showed Nigel Farage’s party heading for a comfortable defeat.

Gawain Towler, a long-time ally of reform leader Mr Farage, told Times Radio that Mr Burnham had “changed the tone” and added that defeating him in Thursday’s crucial vote would be a “very, very difficult task”.

His comments come as data compiled by and seen by a separate source at Reform UK. IndependentIt appears to confirm that Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain is poised to split the right-wing vote and provide such support that Reform will destroy their chances of victory over Labour.

Data compiled by an experienced election campaigner who has spent significant time in the constituency since the by-election was announced predicted Mr Burnham would win by five points.

Polls will end at 22:00 tonight.

Sir Keir Starmer has said he would give Andy Burnham a cabinet post if he wins the Makerfield by-election and said he wants his leadership rival to “play a big role in the Labor government”.

Speaking during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, the prime minister said he would speak to Mr Burnham “after the weekend” after the Makerfield results came in and said there were no circumstances under which he would quit his job.

If the mayor of Greater Manchester wins today’s election, he is expected to return to Westminster to challenge the prime minister for his job.

But sources close to the Manchester mayor have made it clear he would not accept a job as prime minister, a sign he is ready to move against Sir Keir for the top job.

Polling stations have just opened for the crucial by-election in Makerfield, located between Manchester and Liverpool in north-west England.

It is illegal to publish the results of any opinion poll until the polls close on voting day.

Six candidates are running for election: