Ahead of the Makerfield by-election, several outlets report that tactical voting by left-leaning supporters could influence the result. The Guardian says Green and Liberal Democrat supporters may be willing to back Labour’s candidate, Andy Burnham, to prevent Reform UK from winning. It contrasts this with the right vote, where Reform’s principal competition for voters is identified as Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain. The Guardian also cites polling experts who suggest the parties’ vote shares are currently similar to Labour’s poll lead.
The Independent adds that even Reform insiders and the party’s own internal data indicate it is likely to lose in Makerfield. Together, the reports portray a contest where minor parties’ voters could shift in response to wider strategic considerations, and where Reform’s prospects are questioned based on internal assessments. While the articles reference polling and insider claims rather than final results, they agree that the by-election outcome could hinge on cross-party voter decisions rather than party loyalty alone.
