Andy Burnham’s bid to return to the House of Commons via the Makerfield by-election is being met with criticism over his support for rejoining the EU. He aims to define his leadership through a policy of regional decentralisation intended to revive local economies.

Nigel Farage has dismissed Andy Burnham’s plan to shift Whitehall powers to a 'No10 North' hub as a distraction that fails to address national priorities.