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

Andy Burnham hopes a successful byelection will mean he can encourage Keir Starmer to step aside as prime minister

Andy Burnham’s campaign has been forced to talk ministers out of resigning as early as this weekend to avoid Keir Starmer’s government descending into chaos amid fallout from the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian can reveal.

As they prepare for a potential change of leader in the event he beats Reform on Thursday, Burnham’s team is increasingly concerned a rapid collapse of Starmer’s administration would mean further instability for the country.
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