‘Hugely significant’: biggest ever byelection will test nation’s mood – and Burnham’s credentials

With 2 million people eligible to vote, Manchester mayoralty race will give clues on whether PM-in-waiting can turn tide against Reform UK

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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.