Greens to run scaled-back campaign in Makerfield byelection in potential boost for Burnham

Exclusive: Party expected to focus on Greater Manchester mayoralty election if Burnham returned to parliament

The Greens have decided to devote only limited resources to next month’s Makerfield byelection, the Guardian has learned, in a potentially significant boost to Andy Burnham’s chances of winning the seat.

The party is instead expected to focus more on the byelection for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, which will be triggered if Burnham is returned to parliament, senior Green figures have said.