Uniting behind the strongest possible candidate and running a positive, hopeful campaign with an offer of transformative change at its heart is how Labour will earn the kind permission to continue representing the people of Makerfield in parliament.
That is why we hope Labour’s National Executive Committee will ensure Makerfield CLP is free to choose from the widest possible field of candidates for this by-election - a field that should clearly include Andy Burnham.
Let us seize this opportunity to show the Labour Party at its best and put country before party.
