Key facts
- 55% of Makerfield voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate with offensive online posts.
- 31% of voters said offensive posts would not influence their decision.
- Nearly three-quarters of residents surveyed want water companies returned to public ownership.
- 54% of voters supported a wealth tax on assets over £10 million to fund public services.
- A majority of voters favored capping political donations.
- Voters supported retaining key provisions of the Employment Rights Act, including minimum wage and sick pay guarantees.
A poll conducted in the Makerfield constituency reveals that a majority of voters would be deterred from supporting a candidate who has posted offensive content online. The survey of 518 residents, undertaken by Survation for the campaign group 38 Degrees, found that 55% would be less likely to vote for such an individual, while 31% stated it would not influence their decision.
The polling comes amid criticism of Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon for past online posts, including remarks he made about broadcaster Caroline Vorderman and comments on sexism and abortion. Kenyon's controversial statements have drawn attention in the lead-up to the byelection.
Beyond candidate conduct, the survey highlighted strong public sentiment on economic and service-related issues. Nearly three-quarters of Makerfield residents expressed a desire for water companies to be returned to public ownership. Furthermore, 54% supported the introduction of a wealth tax on assets exceeding £10 million to bolster funding for public services like the NHS and schools.
Respondents also indicated a preference for greater accountability in political funding, with just over half favoring a cap on political donations. The poll also gauged views on measures within the Labour government's Employment Rights Act. Significant support was found for maintaining the minimum wage at a cost-of-living-covering level, guaranteed sick pay from the first day of illness, and paid bereavement leave following early pregnancy loss.
However, opinion was more divided on the controversial practice of 'fire-and-rehire,' where employers rehire staff on less favorable terms. While 47% supported retaining a ban on this practice, 42% were in favor of removing it.
Campaigners from 38 Degrees suggested that the views expressed by Makerfield voters reflect broader national concerns regarding economic fairness, public services, and the cost of living, urging politicians to take note of these mainstream positions.