Andy Burnham launches Makerfield bid

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election, declaring that "hope is in the air" for the traditional Labour stronghold.

The high-stakes contest is being closely watched as a potential waypoint for Burnham's future national leadership ambitions within the Labour Party.

However, Burnham faces a growing challenge from Reform UK, whose candidate Robert Kenyon has been accused of "intimidating" behavior during the campaign.

The by-election is widely seen as a critical test of Labour's ability to hold its "Red Wall" heartlands against a resurgent right-wing populist movement.