Andy Burnham is set to face Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon in a special BBC debate ahead of the Makerfield by-election this month.
The Greater Manchester mayor will participate in the live broadcast of Question Time on Thursday evening, where he will also be joined by his fellow candidates from the Lib Dems, the Conservatives and the Greens.
It is highly likely that Mr Burnham will challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership should he be elected on 18 June.
On Tuesday, Mr Burnham ruled out calling a snap election if he enters Downing Street, a spokesperson said in response to speculation that he was considering such a move to give him a stronger mandate.
Mr Burnham, a former cabinet minister, has promised a vote for him in Makerfield would be a vote to “change Labour”.
Meanwhile, Mr Kenyon has faced criticism over previous online comments about various issues, including his position on abortion and Ukraine.
The Independent found that an account linked to Mr Kenyon wrote that women can’t “ref, drive or give directions” and declared: “I’m sexist, sorry but I am.”
He admitted making “crass comments” online, particularly in response to a sexually graphic post about TV presenter Carol Vorderman.
