Labour tries to unite - so Farage can’t wreck their leadership fight

Key Points:

• Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is emerging as Labour’s leading contender to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but must first win a crucial by-election in Makerfield, northwest England, expected next month.
• Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, currently leading in polls and having recently swept local elections in the area, is aggressively targeting the Makerfield seat, posing a significant threat to Labour’s chances.
• Labour’s internal factions are setting aside differences to support Burnham’s candidacy, with key figures like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner playing prominent roles in the campaign.
• The by-election has become a high-stakes political battle, with Farage promising substantial resources and attention, while Labour tries to frame the contest as a direct fight against Reform UK.
• A Burnham victory would position him to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership, but a loss could deepen party divisions and complicate efforts to prevent Farage from gaining further political power.