It’s probably not being dramatic to suggest that the 2026 Makerfield by-election could go down as the most influential Westminster by-election of all time.

As Labour’s woes in government continue, sitting 8 points behind Reform in the polls, their candidate Andy Burnham made his intentions clear in intending to run to be the next leader (and Prime Minister) should he return to Westminster. With his commitment to changing the political culture in the country, including electoral reform and a return to public ownership of water, a victory of Burnham could bring about a new era of progressive politics in Britain (we’re not biased, honest).

Standing across the ring from him was Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, who continued to exemplify Reform’s seismic rise in British politics. Despite being mired by historic sexist comments made online, the race was neck and neck.

So, obviously, we had to put a star-studded lineup together to analyse the result.

Joining Compass Director Neal Lawson to figure out just what has happened is:

• Kerry Postlewhite, Chair of Mainstream Labour’s Interim Council
• Mat Lawrence, Founder and Director of Common Wealth
• Ava-Santina Evans, Editor of PoliticsJOE
• Anouschka Rajah, Research and Analysis Manager at MoreinCommon UK