- Polling by More in Common suggests Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham would defeat Reform UK leader Nigel Farage by 14 percentage points in a head-to-head contest.
- Burnham's performance against Farage is approximately 10 points stronger than that of Keir Starmer, according to the same poll.
- These findings are likely to bolster arguments from Burnham's supporters that he would be a more effective leader against Reform UK than Starmer.
- To contend for the Labour leadership, Burnham must first win the upcoming Makerfield by-election, a pro-Brexit constituency considered a key target for Reform UK.
- However, More in Common warned that an internal Labour dispute over rejoining the EU could undermine Burnham's chances in Makerfield, despite his personal popularity.
IN FULL
