Andy Burnham's Makerfield victory deals blow to Reform UK, signals Labour voter retention

For Nigel Farage, the Makerfield result is crushing. His party's senior leadership expected to be the story of the night. Instead, it fell more than 9,000 votes short and was relegated to a footnote

Andy Burnham's win in Makerfield was not protest noise. It was proof that voters still have not given up hope that Labour can deliver the change they were promised.

Crucially, they did not turn to Reform in frustration. Instead, they turned out in greater numbers and backed Labour to finish the job. That is renewal, not rejection.