- New constituency polling for the Makerfield by-election indicates Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham holds a narrow lead over Reform UK's candidate.
- The poll places Burnham at 46 per cent, five points ahead of Reform UK's Robert Kenyon on 41 per cent, with Restore Britain's Rebecca Shepherd at 7 per cent.
- Restore Britain's presence is splitting the right-wing vote, potentially preventing Reform UK from securing victory, despite Nigel Farage's claims of a two-horse race.
- Experts, including Professor Sir John Curtice, suggest Restore Britain acts as a 'spoiler' for Reform UK, with its vote share potentially exceeding Labour's lead over Reform.
- Andy Burnham's team is reportedly preparing for a Downing Street operation, including planning cabinet roles and an overhaul of communications, signalling his potential leadership ambitions.
IN FULL
Restore Britain set to sweep Burnham to victory in Makerfield, new poll suggests
