Ukip has tried to turn the Oldham West and Royton by-election into a referendum on Labours leadership. The Eurosceptics have plastered posters of Jeremy Corbyn across the consistency in a bid to convince the electorate that the 66-year-old is a security risk.

John Bickley, Ukips hopeful, believes in Britain and as a Mancunian the businessman is not cut from the same cloth as the dreaded Westminster class. But what Nigel Farages party fails to stress is that Bickley is up against Jim McMahon, the son of a truck driver and the young leader of Oldham Council.

The 35-year-old saw off a bunch of left-wing rivals to secure Labours nomination for the by-election, which was triggered after sitting Labour MP Michael Meacher died. McMahon inherits a solid majority of almost 15,000 and is tipped to win the 3 December vote.

But with Labour on the brink of civil war over Jeremy Corbyns leadership, the bookies have shortened Ukips odds. Undoubtedly, Bickley is a threat. He nearly caused a big upset for Labour at the 2014 Heywood and Middleton by-election by slashing the partys majority to just hundreds.

The tall Ukip treasurer will hope to go one better this time around and secure a victory. Privately, some of the partys campaigners seemed content with turning Oldham West into a marginal seat – a feat that would add to Ukips claim that it is the only alternative to Labour in the north of England.

Elsewhere, the other main parties are hoping to live up to their own slogans. Can George Osbornes Northern Powerhouse help secure gains in Greater Manchester for the Tories? And can the Liberal Democrats launch their so-called fightback after a miserable general election that left them with just eight MPs?

The weather will definitely play its part. Oldhams grey, rainy skies could deter voters from venturing out to the seats polling places. Unsurprisingly, a low turnout is expected.

Candidates for the Oldham West and Royton by-election

Jim McMahon (Labour)

John Bickley (Ukip)

Jane Brophy (Liberal Democrats)

James Daly (Conservatives)

Simeon Hart (Green)

Sir Oink A-Lot (Monster Raving Loony Party)