Polls close in crucial Makerfield by-election as Burnham waits to see if voters have sent him back to Westminster to challenge Starmer - or will Reform ruin his PM bid?

Polls have closed in the Makerfield by-election as Burnham awaits results to determine if he will return to Westminster to challenge Starmer. The outcome may also impact Burnham's potential bid for Prime Minister, depending on Reform's influence.