Andy Burnham is eyeing a route to Parliament as polls open for the Makerfield by-election.
The constituency is only home to around 76,000 voters but finds itself at the centre of the UK political landscape, with Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham favourite to win the seat.
If the former Secretary of State for Health succeeds in his quest to return to Westminster, then the a Labour leadership contest is likely to follow, paving the way for a change in Number 10 by the Autumn.
We take a look at the latest odds below, where Labour are heavy odds-on favourites to win the seat...
Makerfield by-election odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Former Makerfield MP Josh Simons resigned after more than 90 Labour MPs urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to step down as leader of the party following Labour's gross underperformance in the local elections.
Starmer has so fair defied suggestions that he should step aside, however, with mounting pressure against him, it is extremely likely that some candidates will accrue the backing of 81 Labour MPs needed to trigger a leadership contest.
Burnham is expected to be chief amongst these and has continued to shorten into 1/3 to succeed Starmer as the leader of the Labour party.
The prime minister is insisting that he will not step aside, telling reporters that if there is a leadership contest then he is "going to fight it". But time appears to be running out for Starmer and he is now into 1/6 to be replaced as Labour leader this year, amid a groundswell of support for Burnham.
Odds correct as of 18th June. Odds displayed are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
