Andy Burnham’s political opponents are finding plenty of attack lines to throw at him. Are past comments and policy positions – from WASPI women to calls for an early election – coming back to haunt the Burnham campaign?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also wonder who is to blame for Keir Starmer’s troubles? According to a focus group of Labour members – it’s all the media’s fault.
The duo unpack the mood within the party and the continued paralysis at the heart of government – affecting everything from the delayed reset of relations with the EU to the even more delayed Defence Investment Plan.
You can see all the candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election here.

