John Oliver on the Makerfield byelection: ‘Labour may never recover from the humiliation if they lose’

Key Points:

• John Oliver highlighted the critical UK byelection in Makerfield, where Labour's Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is running to potentially challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership.
• Starmer’s popularity has declined due to economic struggles and controversial decisions, including appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador and labeling Palestine Action a terrorist group, leading to internal party pressure.
• Makerfield, a historically safe Labour seat with a majority Brexit vote, has become a battleground with far-right Reform party candidate Robert Kenyon posing a significant challenge amid his controversial social media history.
• The rise of far-right parties like Reform and Restore Britain, supported by figures such as Nigel Farage and Elon Musk, raises concerns about the UK's political direction, with Labour seen as the main force to counter this shift.
• Burnham’s potential win in Makerfield is pivotal for Labour’s future and the UK’s political landscape, as a loss could empower far-right factions and deeply damage Labour’s prospects.