Andy Burnham is lucky – Polanski, Farage and Badenoch all seem determined to help him | Jonathan Freedland

According to The Guardian, they have made his early days in No 10 so much easier I don’t know where Andy Burnham found his magic lamp, but I hope he’s taking good care of it.

Everywhere the PM turns, he finds generous adversaries. In the early hours of Friday morning, the genie that’s looked so kindly on him these past few months granted him yet another wish, with a byelection win in Holborn and St Pancras.

This politics story centres on the United Kingdom. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Andy Burnham, Jonathan Freedland and Everywhere the PM.

Why it matters

Political decisions and disputes like this can influence policy, public services and the direction of government.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

9 Oct 2026, 22:35 IST

Key names

Andy Burnham, Jonathan Freedland, Everywhere the PM, Holborn

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianAndy Burnham is lucky – Polanski, Farage and Badenoch all seem determined to help him | Jonathan Freedland 9 Oct, 22:35

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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