Another election is taking place on June 18, and for Reform UK, it represents a critical opportunity. While the Makerfield by-election has dominated headlines, voters in Moorside ward, north of Bury, will also head to the polls to fill the final seat on Bury council. The election was postponed after the sudden death of Reform candidate Victor Hagan.
What's at Stake
If Reform UK's Alan Derby wins, the party will become the official opposition on Bury council, a significant leap from having just one councillor before this year. Currently, Reform UK and Radcliffe First share opposition status with six members each. However, the outcome is far from certain, as Labour's Sandra Walmsley seeks re-election.
Low Voter Engagement
Unlike the high-profile Makerfield campaign, Moorside shows little election fervor. Residents expressed indifference or lack of knowledge about the vote. One woman on a smoke break said she didn't think voting was worth her time, feeling parties promise but deliver nothing. A middle-aged couple, former Conservative voters, were considering the Greens for a more varied opposition.
Tactical voting may also play a role. Some younger voters said they would vote against Reform UK rather than for a specific party. Midwife Jane Penketh, 35, said she would vote Labour or Green tactically, citing concerns about Reform UK's stance on women and immigration.
Reform UK's Optimism
Despite the challenges, Reform UK's local branch is optimistic. Councillor Shadman Zaman claimed that out of 35 doors canvassed, 25 indicated support for Reform. He described the race as a two-horse contest between Reform and the Workers Party of Britain, not Labour. “People are fed up with Labour and want change,” he said.
Labour's Stronghold
Labour performed well in Bury during May's local elections, maintaining a majority with 30 councillors. The party attributes its success to tangible projects like regeneration in Prestwich and Bury Market, and £30m for road improvements. Long-time Labour supporter Bruce Herdman, 77, praised Walmsley's record and criticized Reform UK's leadership.
The by-election also reflects the influence of the Makerfield campaign, with residents referencing events there. Penketh cited controversial comments by Reform's Robert Kenyon, while Herdman discussed Andy Burnham's leadership.
Candidates and Voting
Six candidates are contesting the Moorside seat: Jill Budgen (Bury Independents), Alan Derby (Reform UK), Jihyun Park (Conservative), Conor William Craig Priestley (Green), Sandra Walmsley (Labour), and Yasin Aamer (Workers Party of Britain). Voting takes place on Thursday, May 18.
