Andy Burnham is the new Labor MP for Makerfield, heading for parliament and, possibly, Number 10.
But what does his big win on the outskirts of Wigan tell us about his chances of leading a broad revival of the trade union as prime minister?
Host Patrick Baker has been in the constituency over the past few weeks, talking to people who live and work in this modest part of the country about Burnham’s premiership prospects.
On the campaign trail, Labor MP Peter Dowd reveals what kind of response he’s been getting at the door and shares his enthusiasm for Burnham’s economic agenda.
Reform voters at the Bryn Community Center in Ashton explain why they feel Labor has abandoned them, but hint they may look again at voting for Labor if Burnham can deliver for their region as prime minister.
Patrick is speaking to locals who support Rupert Lowe’s hard-line anti-immigration Return Britain party, as well as those worried that two rebel parties on the far right could give a boost to Labour’s electoral chances.
And Rob Ford, professor of politics at the University of Manchester, explains why being a popular mayor may not easily translate into a successful Prime Minister.
