Polls open in historic byelection in Makerfield that could determine Keir Starmer’s future – UK politics live | Politics
Polls open in Makerfield for historic by-election that will determine Keir Starmer’s future
Hello and welcome to the UK politics liveblog.
The people of Makerfield, the constituency just outside Wigan, have finally started voting in what could be one of the most important by-elections in British political history.
Residents have been inundated with party campaigners and reporters since Labor MP Josh Simons resigned to give Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham a clear opportunity to return to parliament and become prime minister.
Burnham yesterday called on people to “vote to change politics” and said she would “take the fight to the highest level I can handle it”.
But while the seat is seen as one of Labour’s safest (it has been red since its inception in 1983), the ruling party faces a stiff challenge in the form of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Although Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s campaign has been bogged down by the emergence of historic sexist social media posts and less than impressive media performances surveyed, pollsters think the contest has a close result.
It comes as Starmer on Wednesday said he was willing to offer the mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his government if Burnham wins when Thursday’s votes are counted.
But Burnham’s allies said she was not interested in the offer, insisting that “Andy’s advantage is the wind of change as he is not associated with the government’s failures.”
According to the Times, Burnham and her allies are reportedly hoping for a “coronation” with Starmer sidelined rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would damage Labour’s brand.
But the prime minister has repeatedly made clear that he has no intention of retreating and said he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
What is certain is that the next 24 hours will be a pivotal moment for the Labor government and the prime minister in particular.
While polls are still open today, please note that the Guardian, like other new publications, is not allowed to report details of campaign or election matters; Polls close at 22:00.
But you can follow our blog for the latest in UK politics and I’m sure there are plenty of photos of dogs in crates too. Because let’s face it, that’s the real meaning of British elections.
important events
Reform England candidate Robert Kenyon visited St Aidan’s Parish Center in Wigan, accompanied by party leader Nigel Farage, to cast his vote in today’s by-elections.
Kenyon was photographed wearing a replica England jersey (looks like the Italia 90 to me, best associated with Gazza crying at the end of a tough contest) following last night’s World Cup victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Polls open in Makerfield for historic by-election that will determine Keir Starmer’s future
Hello and welcome to the UK politics liveblog.
The people of Makerfield, the constituency just outside Wigan, have finally started voting in what could be one of the most important by-elections in British political history.
Since Labor MP Josh Simons resigned to give Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham a clear opportunity to return to parliament and become prime minister, residents have been inundated with party campaigners and reporters.
Burnham yesterday called on people to “vote to change politics” and said she would “take the fight to the highest level I can handle it”.
But while the seat is seen as one of Labour’s safest (it has been red since its inception in 1983), the ruling party faces a stiff challenge in the form of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Although Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s campaign has been bogged down by the emergence of historic sexist social media posts and less than impressive media performances surveyed, pollsters think the contest has a close result.
It comes as Starmer on Wednesday said he was willing to offer the mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his government if Burnham wins when Thursday’s votes are counted.
But Burnham’s allies said she was not interested in the offer, insisting that “Andy’s advantage is the wind of change as he is not associated with the government’s failures.”
According to the Times, Burnham and her allies are reportedly hoping for a “coronation” with Starmer sidelined rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would damage Labour’s brand.
But the prime minister has repeatedly made clear that he has no intention of retreating and said he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
What is certain is that the next 24 hours will be a pivotal moment for the Labor government and the prime minister in particular.
While polls are still open today, please note that the Guardian, like other new publications, is not allowed to report details of campaign or election issues; Polls close at 22:00.
But you can follow our blog for the latest in UK politics and I’m sure there are plenty of photos of dogs in crates too. Because let’s face it, that’s the real meaning of British elections.
