Key facts
- Voters in the Makerfield constituency are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the current state of Britain.
- Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
- The by-election is viewed as a potential stepping stone for Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.
- Voters on both sides of the political divide (Labour and Reform UK) share frustrations about the pace of change and the cost of living.
- Immigration is a key concern for some voters, influencing their support for Reform UK.
- Despite political differences, voters are highly engaged and feel their vote could be impactful.
Voters in the Makerfield constituency are expressing deep dissatisfaction with the state of the country ahead of a crucial by-election, with some describing Britain as "finished" and a "toilet." The by-election is seen as a significant political event, potentially determining the future leadership of the Labour Party should Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham win the seat and subsequently challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Interviews with residents reveal a widespread sense of despair and frustration. Simon, a milkman of over 20 years, feels that the "great" has been lost from Great Britain and struggles with the rising cost of living, stating that he and his wife "manage to look after our children and have a good time. But it's getting harder and harder."
Liam, a long-time Conservative voter now considering Reform UK, believes Andy Burnham is "using Makerfield" to advance his own political ambitions. He is drawn to Reform UK's message of returning Britain to a perceived better past and is concerned about immigration levels. Shak, a newsagent owner who moved to the UK 25 years ago, also plans to vote Reform UK, citing concerns about the number of people immigrating.
Despite the differing political leanings, voters across the spectrum share a deep pessimism about the country's direction and the effectiveness of current political promises. Even those inclined to support Labour express frustration with the pace of change and hold negative views of Keir Starmer. The engagement level for this by-election is unusually high, with voters feeling their choice carries significant weight in shaping Britain's future.