- The Makerfield by-election is deemed the most significant in decades, potentially determining the next Prime Minister.
- Labour candidate Andy Burnham is widely anticipated to win the by-election, scheduled for Thursday.
- Impatient Labour MPs are pressing Burnham to launch a leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer swiftly if he secures his return to Westminster.
- Despite Sir Keir Starmer offering him a government role, sources close to Burnham suggest he will decline, indicating his readiness to challenge for the leadership.
- Polling data predicts a comfortable victory for Burnham, with a Labour defeat, especially to Reform, being viewed as catastrophic for the party and Sir Keir's leadership.
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