Starmer says he will campaign for Burnham in Makerfield byelection – as it happened

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his intention to personally campaign for Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, highlighting the Labour Party's strategic focus on key electoral contests. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding immigration policies, as the Home Office released asylum figures showing a significant decrease in the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels compared to the previous year.

This development underscores the Labour Party's efforts to strengthen its position in local elections while addressing public concerns about immigration. The decrease in asylum seekers may reflect broader policy changes, but it also raises questions about the party's approach to immigration reform, particularly as it faces pressure from its left flank to take more decisive action.