Polls open in historic byelection in Makerfield that could determine Keir Starmer’s future – UK politics live

Polls open in Makerfield for historic byelection that could determine Keir Starmer's future Hello and welcome to the UK politics live blog. The people of Makerfield, a constituency sitting just outside of Wigan, have at last begun voting in what could be one of the most consequential byelections in British political history. Since Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham a clear run at returning to parliament – and the opportunity to become prime minister – residents have been inundated with party campaigners and reporters. Yesterday Burnham urged people to “vote to change politics” and said he would take the “fight as high as I can possibly take it”. But, despite the seat being considered one of Labour’s safest (it has been red since its creation in 1983), the governing party face a stiff challenge in the shape of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. A Reform UK placard of their byelection candidate Robert Kenyon stands outside a home on June 03, 2026 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Although the Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s campaign has been bogged down with the revelation of historic sexist social media post and, shall we say, less than impressive media performances under scrutiny, pollsters have the contest a close run thing. …