Special Report: How the Makerfield by-election could change everything
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What are the implications of the Makerfield by-election?
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In 24 hours time, in Makerfield, potentially the entire fate of the rest of the Parliament will be determined. You've got Burnham, he's got the wind in his sails at the moment, and so he's not terribly interested in being told by Keir Starmer, just be patient. Feels to me like you've got a police van outside with a loud hailer saying, come out with your hands up, and you've got Keir Starmer inside number 10 saying, you're going to have to come and get me. Westminster consensus kind of moved to say, Burnham's got this in the bag. I don't get that sense of confidence whatsoever from Burnham's team. And I think they're right not to be confident. Would you bring Burnham back into your cabinet? Oh, and he's a great asset.
And yes, I want him to have a big role in government.
Are you going to call him at the weekend and invite him back into your cabinet?
Well, I'm sure I'll talk to Andy after the weekend. Of course I will. I've spoken to him many times in recent weeks. And when I came into politics in 2015, it was Andy Burnham's team that I joined and we worked very well together. He's a huge asset. He's been a fantastic mayor in Manchester. And if he comes back into Parliament, I hope he wins in the by-election. That's the Prime Minister speaking to Sky News. And you can hear there a political leader in the most uncomfortable place for a political leader to be. He knows that his fate is no longer his own. It isn't being decided in Evian, where he is at the G7 summit, and it won't be decided in Westminster. Instead, everything hinges on what happens here in the next 24 hours, here being Makerfield in the North West, and whether Andy Burnham will be returning to Parliament and returning to challenge his leadership.
Welcome to The News Agents.
The News Agents.
It's John. It's Lewis. And obviously on the night of a big international football match, Lewis wanted to come to be beside a football pitch as is his want big time. And we are at Ashton Town Football Club. And a bit later in the podcast, Emily is going to be speaking to a group of voters in some focus group that she attended to gather what it is that is making this such a keenly fought by-election. Since it is a football day, John, thoughts on the pitch here at Ashton? The pitch looks absolutely bloody fantastic. Apparently Andy Burnham's played here a few times. You know, the pitch looks good, ready for a new season. What's your prediction for tonight? Prediction for tonight? I have no idea, but my prediction, I'm more interested in the prediction for tomorrow, which is, of course, in 24 hours' time, in Makerfield, here, basically, potentially the entire fate of the rest of the Parliament will be determined.
We've said many times over the last four weeks or so that there has not been a more important by-election in our modern political history. This next 24 hours is probably the pivotal moment of this Parliament, because if Andy Burnham pulls off, which should be something that should be on paper almost impossible right now, which is a win in a seat where even in 2024, Labour only got a 5,000 or so majority.
How does Andy Burnham's candidacy impact Labour's future?
This is very high up on the reform target list. I think it's in their top 20 or so of their targets. It only requires a swing of 5, 6, 7% or so if, in circumstances where Andy Burnham is able to overcome the fact that the Labour Party is in the doldrums and still win in this most inauspicious and difficult terrain, then he will have proof of concept to the parliamentary Labour Party to go to them and say, look, I am your saviour and give him what he hopes and thinks the momentum he needs to seize the crown from Keir Starmer. Yeah, that is so interesting because it's clear that in number 10, they're trying to play for time. They're trying to say, look, the most important thing after this by-election, Andy, if you win, is that we win the Manchester mayoralty, which you will have to resign.
So, Andy, we want you to focus on that. And maybe then, Andy, there'll be a cabinet job for you and you can come in and we'll embrace you.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What are the implications of the Makerfield by-election?
0:02–3:19
2
How does Andy Burnham's candidacy impact Labour's future?
3:19–6:40
3
What do Makerfield voters want from their representatives?
6:40–9:36
4
Why are Labour supporters feeling nervous ahead of the vote?
9:36–12:32
5
What strategies are being employed by Burnham's campaign team?
12:32–15:18
6
How are voters reacting to the candidates' media presence?
15:18–17:43
7
What concerns do voters have about Andy Burnham as Prime Minister?
17:43–20:37
8
What do focus groups reveal about the political climate in Makerfield?
20:37–53:04
Speakers
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