The by-election in Makerfield is held as voters decide who will represent the constituency, with Reform UK monitoring potential vote splitting on the right. The Independent reports that Reform UK expresses concern that support could shift to Rupert Lowe’s newly formed party, Restore Britain, which may take votes away from Reform UK and complicate right-wing prospects. The reports also describe the wider political context, noting that Burnham is focused on securing a path back to Westminster while awaiting the outcome. As the vote is cast, attention centres on whether Burnham can strengthen his position and how challengers perform, including whether right-wing fragmentation affects the final result. The coverage characterises the day as a tense wait for those involved as the count progresses and the result becomes clearer. Overall, the reporting highlights both the immediate electoral contest in Makerfield and the strategic concerns within Reform UK about how voters choose between Reform and Restore Britain.