Burnham could beat Farage in a general election, new poll suggests

The Independent emphasizes on-the-ground reporting and separating facts from messaging across issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. It highlights investigations into political finances and documentary work on American women fighting for reproductive rights. It states that donations fund journalists and that reporting and analysis remain accessible without paywalls. Polling by More in Common finds Andy Burnham has a better chance than Keir Starmer of winning a general election against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, leading in head-to-head polls by 14 percentage points. Supporters say Burnham must replace Starmer to prevent Farage from becoming prime minister. More in Common warns that a potentially dangerous Brexit row within Labour could cost Burnham the Makerfield by-election, where he is Labour’s candidate and the other frontrunner is pro-Brexit Reform UK. Labour has set the election timetable, with a likely date of 18 June, and Burnham must win the seat to pursue Labour leadership.

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"Andy Burnham has a better chance than Keir Starmer of winning a general election against Nigel Farage's Reform UK, pollsters suggests. The Greater Manchester mayor beats the Reform UK leader in head-to-head polls by 14 percentage points, More in Common (MIC) found. The findings will be a boost to Mr Burnham's supporters, who argue he has to replace Sir Keir to save the UK from Mr Farage becoming prime minister."

"But MIC also warned that a potentially dangerous Brexit row within Labour could cost Mr Burnham his chances of winning the Makerfield by-election, where he has been chosen as Labour's candidate, and with it the chance to challenge Sir Keir for the keys to No 10. In order to have a chance at the Labour leadership, Mr Burnham must first win the parliamentary seat, which voted to leave the European Union in 2016 and where the other frontrunner is the pro-Brexit Reform UK."

"Labour has moved the writ for the election, firing the starting gun for a contest likely to be held on 18 June. Burnham's supporters argue he has to replace Starmer to save the UK from Farage getting the keys to No 10."

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