As the Labour government continues to tear itself apart, Thursday 18 June has assumed a much greater significance than any normal by-election. If Andy Burnham, as expected, wins then many in his party will begin preparing for an imminent leadership contest. Talk of a snap election will inevitably do the rounds. At present, such talk is heard much more on the right than the left. Just as how Labour was impatient for an election during Rishi Sunak’s premiership, now many within Reform are keen for the 2027 election that Nigel Farage has long prophesised. 

One factor in calling an........

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