Keir Starmer's fate as PM hangs in balance as Makerfield count begins in 'David vs Goliath' battle between Andy Burnham and Reform

Sir Keir Starmer's fate as Prime Minister is hanging in the balance as the Makerfield count begins in a David versus Goliath battle between Andy Burnham and Reform UK.Polls across the Greater Manchester constituency closed at 10pm tonight and counting will soon be underway. The heated crunch contest could be make-or-break for Labour, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester eyeing up the chance to boot out Sir Keir from No10 upon his return to Westminster.Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also declared that if Mr Burnham stands in an upcoming race, he will too. The beleaguered Prime Minister has insisted he will not walk away, even if a leadership contest is triggered.But Reform UK's local plumber Robert Kenyon is hoping to put a stop Mr Burnham's rise to power.The candidate has regularly accused the Greater Manchester mayor of using the position of MP as a stepping stone back to SW1, which the King of the North has refuted.FOLLOW ALONG FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT...'We knew this would be a tough fight': Labour deputy leader thanks Makerfield campaigners ahead of countLabour's deputy leader Lucy Powell has admitted that Makerfield was a tough fight as she heaped praise onto Makerfield's campaigners.Our great candidate, Andy Burnham, and our fantastic Labour team have run a positive campaign focused on the people of the Makerfield constituency, she said.The Manchester Central MP said: We knew this would be a tough fight, given Reform did so well here just a few weeks ago, but the Labour movement came together to show we are well up for that fight. While it will be some hours before we know the result, I want to say a huge thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of activists and volunteers who have helped with this campaign. Together, we've spoken to a record number of residents and shared our Labour message of hope and optimism.Labour will continue working every day for the people of this country, putting our values into action and delivering the fairer future communities want to see.Polls close in three by-elections across countryPolls have closed in three Westminster by-elections across Britain this evening. Residents across Makerfield, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South all headed to cast their vote earlier today. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter