Game on: All eyes on Makerfield by-election

Andy Burnham running for the Makerfield by-election has become far more than a contest for a safe Labour seat. It is being seen as a proxy battle over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour’s direction after its bruising local election results, and even whether Reform UK can break permanently into Labour’s northern heartlands. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by George Parker, political editor, Robert Shrimsley, UK chief political commentator, and Jen Williams, northern England correspondent to discuss the latest developments. The team also examines the economic offerings and political positioning of the prospective Labour leadership contenders Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.

Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher or @lucyfisher.ft.com; George Parker @GeorgeWParker ; Robert Shrimsley @robertshrimsley ; Jennifer Williams @JenWilliams

Want more?

How will Andy Burnham pay for his plans for the UK?

What version of Manchesterism is Andy Burnham offering?

Wes Streeting floats ‘wealth tax’ in bid to woo Labour left

Wes Streeting: the confident performer with a mixed record of reform

Greens consider helping Labour’s Andy Burnham in Makerfield by-election

Reeves cuts food tariffs and children’s bus fares in cost of living plan

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Political Fix was presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Nisha Patel and Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound engineering by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineers are Andrew Georgiades and Bianca Wakeman. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s global head of audio.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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