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

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. It comes as Starmer on Wednesday said he was willing to offer the mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his government, should Burnham win when Thursday’s votes are counted. But allies of Burnham said he was not interested in the offer, insisting “the benefit Andy has is the wind of change for not having been associated with the government’s failings”. Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, in Wigan, Britain, June 13, 2026. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters Burnham and his allies are reported to be hoping for a “coronation” in which Starmer stands aside, rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would be damaging to the Labour party’s brand, according to the Times. But the prime minister has repeatedly made it clear he has no intention of standing down and says that he will fight any challenge to his leadership. What is certain is that the next 24 hours will prove to be a pivotal moment for this Labour government and, in particular, the prime minister. Please be aware that the Guardian, like other new outlets, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or election issues while polls are still open today – they close at 10pm. A person at the St Aidan’s Parish Centre polling station with their dog in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA But you can follow our blog for all the latest in UK politics, as well as I am sure plenty of photos of dogs at polling stations. Because, let’s face it, that really is the true meaning of any British election.