Fact checks about the 2026 Makerfield by-election
Politics
We’ve taken a look at the state of polling ahead of the Makerfield by-election on Thursday, as well as some questionable vote share predictions circulating on social media. Read
Immigration
Images circulating on social media show what appears to be a Reform UK leaflet claiming that “380 illegal boat migrants” live in the Makerfield constituency—but this isn’t an official figure. Read
Immigration
During a BBC Makerfield by-election debate, Labour’s Andy Burnham and the Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley made seemingly contrasting claims over net migration. Read
Politics
A picture circulating on social media with claims it shows a huge political rally around the Makerfield by-election has been generated with AI. Read
Immigration
We’ve looked at the figures after Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon said his party would tackle illegal immigration by stopping “1,000 people coming in a day”. Read
Politics
An image circulating alongside claims Andy Burnham said he wants to “make Makerfield home for more asylum seekers” was generated by AI. Read
