Andy Burnham's popularity has plummeted ahead of the crucial Makerfield by-election, the latest polling shows. Two polls published on Tuesday showed that the public now had a negative opinion of the Greater Manchester Mayor overall, having had a positive view of him until last month. Mr Burnham – who still has the highest net score of any politician – has said he will run against Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership if elected in Makerfield on Thursday.