Makerfield: the by-election which could decide the next prime minister

Makerfield: the by-election which could decide the next prime minister

Author: The Times June 4, 2026 Duration: 27:52

It’s the Makerfield by-election on June 18th and one of Keir Starmer’s key challengers - Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham - is vying for a seat. If he becomes the MP it’ll enable him to challenge Starmer for the top job. Elsewhere there’s a battle on the right as Reform and Restore Britain face off. But who's got the best chance of success, in this complicated constituency that’s more than meets the eye?


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Guest: Darryl Morris, presenter, Times Radio.

Host: Luke Jones. 

Producer: Olivia Case.


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Read more: Who are the Makerfield constituents that could choose the next PM?

Further listening: Fordingbridge rape victim: “I’m the one being punished”

Clips: Restore Britain / Instagram, BBC, The Guardian, Mayor of Manchester / YouTube, @andy.burnham / TikTok, Reform UK. 

Photo: Getty Images.

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