Andy Burnham's push for a Brexit reset is facing a backlash in his own constituency, where voters are asking why he is prioritising Europe while Britain grapples with economic pressures.
Earlier this week, Burnham told MPs he will seek new post-Brexit deals at an upcoming EU summit, calling for "deeper cooperation." He has also hinted at adding a "let's re-join the EU" pledge to Labour's next general election manifesto.
Voters in Leave-backing seat question timing
But a visit to his Ashton-in-Makerfield constituency in Greater Manchester — which voted 65% to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum — reveals strong opposition to the plan. Residents on both sides of the Brexit debate told the Express that now is not the time for another divisive referendum.
Three words summed up the mood among those spoken to on a sunny Tuesday afternoon: "Why right now?!" The former coal-mining town near Wigan has elected a Labour MP in every election for the past 120 years. Burnham won the seat in a June by-election, though many argue serious cross-party tactical voting to keep out Reform and remove Sir Keir Starmer played a role.
Economic concerns dominate
With petrol prices sky-high, a soaring benefits bill, rising energy prices, stagnating wages, and 1.78 million people unemployed, residents said a referendum could split the nation. One shopper, Marian Caldwell, 81, a retired theatre sister nurse, argued: "Labour should be concentrating on helping the poor, those struggling to make ends meet and supporting farmers to grow produce to feed our nation. Why revisit Brexit now? It makes no sense! It's simply not the right time. It's crazy."
Charity worker Joanne Lait, 60, said: "I'm not sure. Why now of all times? He's only been in the job for three months. People round here are fed-up of politics to be honest."
Reform gains in the region
The constituency has seen a political shift. On May 7, 2026, Reform won 24 of the 25 council seats up for grabs in Wigan, delivering a shock to the dominant Labour Party. In early June, the former 'Bryn Labour Club' — a 115-year-old hub with a bar, snooker tables and darts — had been renamed 'Bryn Community Club', with a Union Jack flying outside. Regulars ahead of the by-election told the Express: "We're voting Reform UK."
Residents cited run-down services, lack of jobs, vape shops, the cost-of-living crisis, deprivation, drugs and small-boat crossings as their main concerns. The 2016 referendum and Scotland's 2014 independence vote were recalled as examples of how such polls spark years of enmity and ill-feeling among communities, pitching friend against friend.
Burnham, who became PM three months ago, is facing what some describe as the biggest fight of his premiership — one that his own people may never forgive.
