It is extremely important that Labour understands that the movement of voters between Lab and Ref was not the crucial factor, it was consolidation of the anti-Ref vote and Lab voters turning out in droves. Otherwise Burnham will make the same mistakes as Starmer in targeting only one set of voters.
Christabel Cooper
Concerned about this 'swathes of ex-Reform voters returning to Labour' narrative taking hold.
On the numbers it does not seem likely to be true - Reform got more votes at this by-election than they did across the constituency's wards at the locals.
Nathan
It now seems beyond any doubt that Burnham will be prime minister soon.
Labour MPs will look at that result - the consolidation of the progressive vote, the swathes of ex-Reform voters returning to Labour - and they won’t be able to wait long.
