Reform UK has stood by its candidate, who is taking on Andy Burnham in Thursday’s crunch Makerfield by-election Stay on top of the latest political news with our View from Westminster newsletter Get the latest political headlines with our free email Get the latest political headlines with our free email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reform UK ’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election has faced backlash