- Jacob Rees-Mogg has called for the Conservative Party and Reform UK to collaborate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election to defeat Andy Burnham.
- The former Tory cabinet minister suggested that a united right could deliver a 'nasty surprise' to the Labour Party and prevent Burnham from gaining momentum for a potential leadership challenge.
- Rees-Mogg proposed a mutual pact, even suggesting the Conservatives stand aside in other by-elections like Gorton and Denton.
- However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch rejected the idea of a pact, stating that the Tories will field a candidate in Makerfield.
- The Makerfield by-election, triggered by Josh Simons' resignation, is a challenging contest for Labour, given their reduced majority in the general election and Reform UK's strong performance in recent local elections in the constituency.
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