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

Voters in Makerfield in north-west England are going to the polls on Thursday in a by-election whose outcome could determine whether Sir Keir Starmer remains as prime minister.

If Labour former health secretary Andy Burnham wins, he is expected to quickly challenge Sir Keir for the party leadership, having gathered support among backbenchers who have urged him on.

But Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, also has strong support in the constituency. Reform is worried about losing voters to Rupert Lowe’s party, Restore Britain, which takes a harder line on migration.

Wes Streeting, also an ex-health secretary, says that if Mr Burnham returns to Westminster and stands against Sir Keir, he will join the contest.

The list of candidates is here.Polls open at 7am and will close at 10pm.