Multiple reports say party politicians and activists, including a former leader, urge Zack Polanski to step aside and back Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in an upcoming by-election on 18 June. The accounts describe calls within the party to strike a “cosy” or cooperative deal to improve Labour’s chances against Reform in the contest, which is described as closely fought or “knife-edge.”
The coverage frames the issue as internal party pressure around candidate selection and electoral strategy in the Makerfield area. It states that those urging Polanski to withdraw present the move as being in the party’s broader interests ahead of the vote. Other details about the by-election campaign, including policy positions or the number of candidates, are not provided in the excerpts.
Overall, the sources agree that senior party figures are publicly or informally pushing Polanski to support Burnham ahead of the June 18 by-election and that the contest is expected to be highly competitive.
