‘I hate Labour, but I’ll vote Burnham’: how Reform could be derailed by tactical voting

Voters in Makerfield are preparing to "hold their noses" and engage in tactical voting [1] to topple Sir Keir Starmer or stop the rise of Reform in this month's by-election, local focus groups reveal. Residents in the constituency are acutely aware they are at the centre of a "huge political storm" and "feel the weight of the moment", sessions by pollsters More in Common show. While focus groups were split between Reform's candidate, Robert Kenyon and Labour's Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham [2], they share "anger towards the Labour Government" and wish to "send a strong message", said More in Common director Luke Tryl.

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WEATHER

Is the UK set for another hot summer?

Caption: People enjoy the hot weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. Monday is set to be the hottest bank Holiday on record, reaching "historic" temperatures of 34C in Greater London and south-east England.

Picture date: Monday May 25, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA WirePhotographer: Andrew MatthewsProvider: Andrew Matthews/PA WireSource: PA

The UK may see a warmer-than-average summer with the potential for more heatwaves, according to the Met Office as it revealed its long-range forecasts into the summer.

What do the forecasts say?

Sunbathers play in the sea and relax in the sunshine on Bournemouth beach on the south coast of England on May 26, 2026, as heatwave conditions spread to parts of southeast England and London. Britain registered on Tuesday its hottest-ever May temperature on record, with the mercury rising to 35C near the capital. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Caption: Sunbathers play in the sea and relax in the sunshine on Bournemouth beach on the south coast of England on May 26, 2026, as heatwave conditions spread to parts of southeast England and London. Britain registered on Tuesday its hottest-ever May temperature on record, with the mercury rising to 35C near the capital. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)Photographer: JUSTIN TALLISProvider: AFP via Getty ImagesSource: AFPCopyright: AFP or licensors

The Met Office suggests "an increased chance of heatwaves and heat-related impacts" for the summer.

It comes after a late spring heatwave saw record-breaking temperatures across the UK.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Women relax on deckchairs in St James's Park on May 26, 2026 in London, England./ppThe UK has recoded the hottest May temperature on record with a blistering 34.8??C registered at Kew Gardens. Overnight temperatures also reached a record-breaking 21.3??C, marking the country's first-ever spring

Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Women relax on deckchairs in St James's Park on May 26, 2026 in London, England. The UK has recoded the hottest May temperature on record with a blistering 34.8??C registered at Kew Gardens.

Overnight temperatures also reached a record-breaking 21.3??C, marking the country's first-ever spring "tropical night." This extreme heatwave has triggered Amber Heat-Health Alerts across central and southern England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)Photographer: Carl CourtProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images EuropeCaption: FLAMBOROUGH, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Beachgoers enjoy the hot weather at Flamborough's North Landing beach on May 26, 2026 in Flamborough, England.

The UK has recoded the hottest May temperature on record with a blistering 34.8??C registered at Kew Gardens. Overnight temperatures also reached a record-breaking 21.3??C, marking the country's first-ever spring "tropical night." This extreme heatwave has triggered Amber Heat-Health Alerts across central and southern England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Photographer: Dan KitwoodProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images EuropeCopyright: 2026 Getty Images

MeteoGroup - providers of BBC Weather data - said "above-average temperatures" are expected in June, July and August.

Is a drought expected?

MeteoGroup expects a drier period, although the Met Office suggests an average or potentially even wetter-than-normal season, the BBC reported.

NEWS

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NEWS

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Record-breaking May

A new May record of 35.1?C was set in May in Kew Gardens, beating the record of 32.8?C in 1944. Yellow and amber heat health alerts were also issued for the first time this year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Tourists pass over Westminster Bridge on May 26, 2026 in London, England./ppThe UK has recoded the hottest May temperature on record with a blistering 34.8??C registered at Kew Gardens. Overnight temperatures also reached a record-breaking 21.3??C, marking the country's first-ever spring

Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Tourists pass over Westminster Bridge on May 26, 2026 in London, England. The UK has recoded the hottest May temperature on record with a blistering 34.8??C registered at Kew Gardens.

Overnight temperatures also reached a record-breaking 21.3??C, marking the country's first-ever spring "tropical night." This extreme heatwave has triggered Amber Heat-Health Alerts across central and southern England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)Photographer: Carl CourtProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images EuropeCaption: BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Bournemouth Beach on May 25, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.

An exceptional bank holiday heatwave is currently bringing record-breaking weather to England with temperatures forecast to climb into the low 30s by Monday. The intense high pressure has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue rare, amber heat alerts across multiple regions due to the health risks for vulnerable people and extreme UV levels. (Photo by Simon Ackerman/Getty Images)Photographer: Simon AckermanProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images EuropeCopyright: 2026 Simon Ackerman A diverse group of individuals participates in a strength training session at a fitness studio, performing exercises with focus and determination while fostering a sense of community and wellness. (Photo: Getty/Kaspi Creative Inc).

HEALTH

Why you need to do more strength training

Clare Wilson

Science Writer Forget lifting heavy - lifting for longer may be the secret to staying healthy.

People should aim to clock up at least 90 minutes of strength training a week, a study has found.

How much strength training do you need?

Current UK guidelines say people should aim to do strength training at least two days a week.

How long that should last is unspecified, but experts suggest some people may interpret that as about 60 minutes.

Young Asian women use dumbbells for strength training in the gym. - stock photo. (Photo: Getty)

Kettlebell strength training at cross-training gym - stock photo. (Photo: Getty)

And surveys have found only a quarter of people in the UK are doing any strength training at all twice weekly. By contrast, the advice on aerobic exercise - the kind that gets your heart racing, like running - says it should be done for at least 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity.

What are the benefits?

Dr Yiwen Zhang, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, looked at results from three large US studies that tracked the habits of nearly 150,000 people for up to 30 years, publishing the results in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The lowest death rate was in people who did between 90 and 120 minutes of strength training per week.

Analysis

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LIFESTYLE

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WORLD

What you need to know as Ukraine hits St Petersburg oil port

A plume of black smoke is seen over the port of St./ppPetersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack. (AP Photo)

Caption: A plume of black smoke is seen over the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack. (AP Photo)Provider: AP Photo/undefinedSource: AP

Ukraine staged a large attack on a St Petersburg oil port on Wednesday, ahead of a major economic forum hosted by Vladimir Putin in the city.

What happened?

The oil terminal on the Gulf of Finland is one of Russia's largest fuel storage and export facilities. The attack happened hours before the opening of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum - Russia's Davos - which involves high-profile foreign guests from 76 countries, including the US.

Big Read

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Explained

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Flagship forum under threat

The Ukrainian plan of long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as it is needed to bring peace closer.

Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian drones had hit several locations in Russia, including a nearby naval base in Kronstadt.

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 03: Black smoke rises after Ukraine reportedly launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia's most prominent organizations, in St./ppPetersburg, Russia, on June 03, 2026. (Photo by Ali Cura/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Caption: ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 03: Black smoke rises after Ukraine reportedly launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia's most prominent organizations, in St.

Petersburg, Russia, on June 03, 2026. (Photo by Ali Cura/Anadolu via Getty Images)Photographer: AnadoluProvider: Anadolu via Getty ImagesSource: Anadolu

Kronstadt is the main outpost of the Russian Navy's Baltic fleet, with unverified videos showing drones targeting docked ships.

The latest on Russia-Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Caption: Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)Photographer: Vyacheslav ProkofyevProvider: Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool SputniSource: Pool Sputnik KremlinCopyright: Sputnik

Russian losses

This comes as the UK's largest spy agency claimed almost 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed during the conflict.

Continued attacks

Russia and Ukraine have also exchanged a series of drone and missile strikes as peace talks continue to fail.

A resident stands at a site of a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Caption: A resident stands at a site of a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 2, 2026.

REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYPhotographer: StringerProvider: REUTERSSource: REUTERSCaption: In this handout photo provided by the French Army, a French army NH90 helicopter flies over the oil tanker Tagor, which is under international sanctions and was traveling from Russia in the Atlantic Sea, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (French Army via AP)Provider: French Army via APSource: French ArmyCopyright: ?tat-major des arm?es

Oil tanker seized

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed a shadow fleet tanker had been seized with UK support.

uk NEWS

Military helicopter crashes in Devon

The crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon, June 3, 2026. // A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in an

Caption: The crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon, June 3, 2026. // A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in an "ongoing" investigation. The helicopter, which the Ministry of Defence confirmed belonged to the Royal Navy, crashed just before 4am this morning in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon. Emergency services are still at the scene - which a local reporter described as "devastating".

Photos from the scene of the smash show the wreckage of the downed chopper lying in a field. It remains unclear if anyone was injured when the navy helicopter crashed. Military helicopters often train in the area around north Dartmoor - as the area lies between the Royal Navy's air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.Photo released 03/06/2026

Photo released 03/06/2026

Photographer: Tom Wren / SWNSProvider: Tom Wren / SWNSSource: Tom Wren / SWNS Three people have died after a Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field near an A-road in Devon, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed (MoD).

Investigation ongoing

The accident occured at 4am on Wednesday near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton.

The MoD confirmed three serviceman died during the exercise.
The A386 was closed between A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross in Okehampton.
The cause of the crash is unknown and an investigation remains ongoing.
The site is around 27 miles north of HMNB Devonport, in Plymouth.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was "devastated by the loss of three service personnel".

PM pays tribute to families after helicopter crash

My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning."

Prime minister, sir keir starmer

Mountain Rescue team near to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon, June 3, 2026. // A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in an

Caption: Mountain Rescue team near to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon, June 3, 2026. // A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in an "ongoing" investigation. The helicopter, which the Ministry of Defence confirmed belonged to the Royal Navy, crashed just before 4am this morning in Sourton Down, off the A30 near Okehampton in Devon.

Emergency services are still at the scene - which a local reporter described as "devastating". Photos from the scene of the smash show the wreckage of the downed chopper lying in a field. It remains unclear if anyone was injured when the navy helicopter crashed.

Military helicopters often train in the area around north Dartmoor - as the area lies between the Royal Navy's air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.

Photo released 03/06/2026 Photographer: Tom Wren / SWNSProvider: Tom Wren / SWNSSource: Tom Wren / SWNS

What Lebanon's Beaufort Castle is - and why Israel captured it

Israel announced the seizure of the medieval fortress yesterday, in the latest sign of its continued ceasefire breaches in the country.

An Israeli flag and a flag of the Golani Brigade fly on Beaufort Castle, as seen from Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, June 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Caption: An Israeli flag and a flag of the Golani Brigade fly on Beaufort Castle, as seen from Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, June 1, 2026.

REUTERS/StringerPhotographer: StringerProvider: REUTERSSource: REUTERS

Defence minister announces capture

Members of Israeli troops at the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, in this screengrab from a handout video released on May 31, 2026. Israeli troops seized the Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. Israeli Military/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY./ppOVERLAY FROM SOURCE.

Caption: Members of Israeli troops at the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, in this screengrab from a handout video released on May 31, 2026. Israeli troops seized the Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, the military said, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago. Israeli Military/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

OVERLAY FROM SOURCE.Photographer: ISRAELI MILITARYProvider: via REUTERSSource: Handout

Israel Katz said the Israeli flag was flying over the castle yesterday.
The fort in southern Lebanon represents a strategic gain.
Israeli Defence Forces have carried out strikes in the surrounding area.

WORLD

4 min read

What is Beaufort Castle?

Known as Qalaat al-Shaqif in Arabic, the castle was built by French crusaders in the 12th century.

It is near Nabatieh and its position is 700m (2,300ft) above sea level and affords whoever controls it a view over southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a

Caption: Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from a position across the border in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a "dramatic shift" in the campaign against Hezbollah. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP via Getty Images)Photographer: JALAA MAREYProvider: AFP via Getty ImagesSource: AFPCopyright: AFP or licensors

TOPSHOT - This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel shows an Israeli tank taking position amid destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026./ppIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a

Caption: TOPSHOT - This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel shows an Israeli tank taking position amid destroyed buildings in southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after his military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort on May 31, calling it a "dramatic shift" in the campaign against Hezbollah. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP via Getty Images)Photographer: JALAA MAREYProvider: AFP via Getty ImagesSource: AFPCopyright: AFP or licensors

It has changed hands several times over the centuries, with Palestinian fighters using it as a base before Israel captured it in 1982. Israel then occupied it until withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000.

What is Israel doing in Lebanon?

Despite agreeing to a ceasefire on 16 April, Israel has continued to strike Lebanon with the aim of destroying the armed group Hezbollah, which mainly operates in the south of the country.

Beirut has been struck on two occasions and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered further strikes on the capital today.

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial service held for Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, and the last hostage recovered from Gaza, in Meitar, Israel, January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File Photo

Caption: FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial service held for Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, and the last hostage recovered from Gaza, in Meitar, Israel, January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File PhotoPhotographer: Amir CohenProvider: REUTERSSource: REUTERS

OPINION

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Flames engulfed a warehouse in Khan Younis after it was hit by an Israeli strike on Thursday night, as civil defence workers struggled to put out the fire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he had directed Israel's military to take more of Gaza, initially by seizing 70% of the Palestinian territory, where the population is already penned into a tiny strip of land along the coast. Israel effectively controls an estimated 64% of the tiny coastal Strip, bombarded to ruins by Israel's two-year military assault that followed the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

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Rugby league legend John Kear dies 'suddenly' - what we know

The star passed away just a day after he could be heard commentating live on the Challenge Cup Final.

File photo dated 18/05/19 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced./ppIssue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Caption: File photo dated 18/05/19 of John Kear.

Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Photographer: Richard SellersProvider: Richard Sellers/PA WireSource: PA

Legendary coach dies on way home

Kear, 71, a former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach, died yesterday afternoon as he travelled home from presenting on the match at Wembley. He had retired from coaching in 2025 after a long career including 700 matches and coaching for three World Cups teams.

RUGBY LEAGUE

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Big Read

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A closer look at the detail

He began his career with a decade playing for his local team Castleford, before winning the Challenge Cup twice as a coach. A shock victory with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 was followed by Hull in 2005, having led England to the semi-finals of the 2000 World Cup.

File photo dated 16/09/06 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced./ppIssue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire

Caption: File photo dated 16/09/06 of John Kear.

Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire

Photographer: Nigel RoddisProvider: Nigel Roddis/PA WireSource: PA

File photo dated 28/08/05 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced. Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026./ppPA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA Wire

Caption: File photo dated 28/08/05 of John Kear. Former England, Wales and two-time Challenge Cup winning coach John Kear has died at the age of 71, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Issue date: Monday June 1, 2026.

PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Jones/PA Wire Photographer: David JonesProvider: David Jones/PA WireSource: PA

The chair of the RFL said today: "It was always a pleasure to see John, at Wakefield Trinity games most recently, as he was full of energy and enthusiasm for the game he clearly loved and had given him so much, in the same way he had given back."

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked Eid al-Adha celebrations in the Bronx on wearing a custom thobe fashioned from Arsenal's 2025-26 away kit, a nod to his support for the newly-crowned Premier League champions. Arsenal claimed their first league title in 22 years this season and face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Munich on Saturday, with Mamdani's public show of support coming just days before the club's biggest match in decades. mamdani arsenal COYG

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Inglewood, CA - May 12, 2026 : The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee hold a media event at SoFi Stadium marking 30 days until the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Caption: Inglewood, CA - May 12, 2026 : The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee hold a media event at SoFi Stadium marking 30 days until the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Photographer: Jason ArmondProvider: Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagCopyright: 2026 Los Angeles Times

sport

The seven players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

With kick-off just a few weeks away and Thomas Tuchel's squad ready to go, here are the players you should look out for in North America this summer.

High scorers

All eyes in this country will be on Harry Kane, England's top goalscorer and captain. After a stunning season for Bayern Munich, this is likely his last chance to lead England to glory.

Harry Kane's England will go to the World Cup as one of four seeded teams (Photo: Getty)

(FILES) Barcelona's Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on March 7, 2026. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente was convinced on May 26, 2026 that the next World Cup

Caption: (FILES) Barcelona's Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on March 7, 2026.

Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente was convinced on May 26, 2026 that the next World Cup "is the moment" for the teenage phenomenon Lamine Yamal, AFP reports. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP via Getty Images)Photographer: ANDER GILLENEAProvider: AFP via Getty ImagesSource: AFPCopyright: AFP or licensors

At the other end of the career path, Lamine Yamal for Spain is also one to watch. At just 18, the Barcelona star has already scored for his country and hopes to bring them to victory after their Euros win in 2024.

Top of their game

Caption: Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Photographer: NurPhotoProvider: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSource: NurPhotoCopyright: Jose Breton/NurPhoto

Vinicius Junior

A veteran attacker returning to the World Cup after his last appearance in 2002.

Kylian Mbappe

The striker has scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances for France.

Caption: LANDOVER, MD - MARCH 29: France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) smiles after a shot on goal late in the game during the France versus Colombia Road to '26 international soccer friendly on March 29, 2026 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Photographer: Icon SportswireProvider: Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesSource: Icon SportswireCopyright: ?Icon Sportswire All Rights Reserved

Caption: OSLO, NORWAY - MARCH 31: Erling Haaland of Norway reacts during the international friendly match between Norway and Switzerland at Ullevaal Stadion on March 31, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)Photographer: Stuart FranklinProvider: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images EuropeCopyright: 2026 Getty Images

Erling Haaland

A top scorer for club sides, the striker will finally represent Norway.

England's ones that got away

After representing England at U21 level, the ruthless attacker Jamal Musiala is now playing for Germany.

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 19: Jamal Musiala of Germany celebrates his teams first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany.(Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Jamal Musiala scored his second goal of Euro 2024 in Germany's win over Hungary (Photo: Getty) MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Muenchen reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Bayern M??nchen and Chelsea FC at Football Arena Munich on September 17, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Muenchen reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Bayern M??nchen and Chelsea FC at Football Arena Munich on September 17, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)

Olise has been 'the Bundesliga's best player' this season (Photo: Getty)

Michael Olise could have played for England, but the Crystal Palace right winger chose France instead.

Watch more on the World Cup

The 18 June by-election is set to be the most consequential in decades, as some 76,000 decide the fate of Burnham, the Labour Party, and potentially the country. If the so-called King of the North wins, it is likely to trigger a Labour leadership contest [7] that could see him replace Starmer as prime minister.

If Kenyon, a local plumber, takes the 'Red Wall' seat, it could destroy Burnham's chances of returning to Westminster and plunge the Labour Party into yet more chaos.

A woman walks past campaign placards that read

Labour has been campaigning across the Makerfield constituency (Photo: Reuters/Temilade Adelaja)

While Labour won the seat in the 2024 general election with 45 per cent of the vote to Reform's 32 per cent, there was a shift at the recent local elections, with Reform taking 50 per cent of the area's vote compared to Labour's 24 per cent. More in Common conducted two focus groups in the Makerfield constituency [8].

A mixed group was held on 19 May - the day Burnham was announced as Labour's candidate- and a women-only group on 26 May. Locals are well aware of the historic significance of their ballot, with one participant saying there is "a lot of pressure" to make a nationwide decision, and another saying it is a "privileged position". Tryl said the vote will be characterised by "tactical voting on every side", with people planning to "vote for Burnham while holding their nose at his party, or voting Reform despite perhaps feeling drawn to Restore".

"One thing these voters seem to share is anger toward the Labour Government and a desire to send a strong message," he told The i Paper. "Voting against is becoming a defining feature of our politics."

'I'm voting for Burnham, not Labour'

He said very few people expressed "enthusiasm" for the candidate they were planning to vote for, and instead gave elaborate reasons for voting tactically to punish Labour, to keep out Reform or to back Burnham despite hating Labour. "I'm not a Labour fan at all, but I am a fan of Andy Burnham," said one participant, adding: "I think I'll be voting slightly holding my nose, but voting for the person rather than the party." Another who plans to begrudgingly vote for Labour said: "I don't like Labour but I don't want Reform either."

A potential Reform voter said they "really don't like" Nigel Farage but could be driven to choose his party as they are "very concerned about immigration" and wish to make a "protest more than anything else". Restore Britain, led by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe who left Reform after a major public fallout with party leaders last year, has cut through to voters, but the response ranged from dismissing it as a "social media party" to those on the right fearing it could "split the vote". "Reform would win quite easily if Rupert Lowe stood down, but I think they'll split the vote on the right and Andy will probably sneak in," one participant said.

WIGAN, ENGLAND - MAY 23: An elderly lady walks past a Reform Election Leaflet on May 23, 2026 in Wigan, England./ppThe Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday 18 June 2026 after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to make way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to run giving him a route back to Westminster. While Labour won this seat at the 2024 general election with 45.2% of the vote to Reform UK's 31.8%, recent local council elections in May 2026 saw a shift, with Reform UK winning 49.8% of the area's vote compared to Labour's 24.3%. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

While Labour won the Makerfield seat at the 2024 general election, Reform got nearly 50 per cent of the vote in the local elections (Photo: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

Modelling by Survation shows Burnham is currently polling at 43 per cent, while Kenyon is three points behind at 40 per cent. Restore's candidate Rebecca Shepherd is in third place at 7 per cent, which could be the difference between Reform beating Labour.

The Greens have put up a candidate, saying it is vital "voters are given a choice of who they want to vote for". But the party is reportedly devoting limited resources to the campaign, and with their polling at 3 per cent, there is likely to be less of a vote split on the left. Tryl said the focus groups show both Labour's Burnham and Reform's Kenyon have "paths to victory, but also weaknesses that could hold them back".

"Kenyon is seen by some as a strong anti-establishment voice, particularly on immigration, but his past comments on gender and abortion risk off-putting some voters, especially some of the women we've spoken to," he said. Past social media posts [9] have been unearthed of Kenyon claiming that women have abortions "for vanity purposes", that they "can't drive or give directions", as well as agreeing with a sexually explicit tweet about Carol Vorderman. "Burnham, meanwhile, is widely admired as a champion for Greater Manchester; people both point to specific local improvements, and see him as a refreshing challenger to Westminster - but some suspect he sees this seat as a stepping stone," Tryl said.

"A key test for him in the coming weeks will be demonstrating that he has a real vision for Makerfield and places like it," he added.

References

^ tactical voting (inews.co.uk)
^ Andy Burnham (inews.co.uk)
^ @theipaper (www.tiktok.com)
^ ? original sound - The i Paper - The i Paper (www.tiktok.com)
^ @theipaper (www.tiktok.com)
^ ? original sound - The i Paper - The i Paper (www.tiktok.com)
^ Labour leadership contest (inews.co.uk)
^ Makerfield constituency (inews.co.uk)
^ social media posts (inews.co.uk)