Biggest ever byelection will test nation’s mood – and Burnham’s credentials

‘Hugely significant’ race for Manchester mayor will give clues on whether PM-in-waiting can turn tide against Reform UK Andy Burnham was delivered to the steps of Downing Street after one of the most consequential parliamentary byelections in recent British history. But it is the race to be his successor as Greater Manchester mayor that could reveal far more about the mood of the nation than the historic – and unique – contest in Makerfield. More than 2 million people will be eligible to vote on 30 July, making it the biggest ever byelection in Britain. Even with a turnout of about 30%, the verdict of more than 600,000 voters will help answer some of the most fundamental questions facing each of the main parties. Will Keir Starmer’s resignation resurrect Labour from the doldrums of the May elections? Or can Nigel Farage give Burnham a bloody nose just 10 days into his likely premiership? The so-called “king of the north” never won less than 60% of the vote in each of his three victories since 2017, when he swapped Westminster for the newly created mayoralty. This time, however, Burnham is not on the ballot paper and Reform UK was the biggest winner in Greater Manchest