In this episode of The Opinion Brief, we’re joined by Sunday Times deputy political editor Lara Spirit to discuss the dramatic Makerfield by-election one week out, Andy Burnham’s political future, Reform UK’s strategy, Nigel Farage, Robert Kenyon, Restore, and whether Labour could face a leadership crisis sooner than expected.

The episode also examines public reaction to the murder of Henry Novak, including new polling on policing, social cohesion, protests, and public trust in institutions.

Topics covered include:

• Reform UK’s polling bump.
• The Makerfield by-election: Burnham’s leadership ambitions and Reform’s strategy.
• The Henry Nowak case: Public opinion on the case, policing, and Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch’s responses.
• Football pride and the World Cup.