- 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.
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