The Failsworth West by-election on November 12 saw Reform UK successfully defend the seat, with Coun Chris Baddeley joining Oldham council's second largest political group. Labour saw an increase in support compared to May and doubled their vote share.
Turnout was poor, with less than 20 per cent going to the polls and the number of votes cast totalling 1,547. This is less than half the number who turned out to vote earlier this year in the council ward.
Reasons for low turnout
By-elections generally see lower turnout compared to wider elections, and this week's cold weather was thought to be a contributing factor. A sense of disillusionment with politics could have been one, too.
Out on the streets in and around Failsworth, many were unaware an election had just taken place. Some did not care, with a jaded view of politicians, with one person even saying they preferred the paranormal over politics.
Voter reactions
For some, the result has been a good thing. One couple said they had had enough of Labour and their support for Reform was about 'getting the country back to a decent level'.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said local Reform councillors had their support because 'they do get things done', adding: "You can contact them with any questions and there's an answer."
Despite supporting the party, Paul Crane said: "I know a lot of people who did not know about it, I do not know why." Immigration and concerns about new houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) were driving Reform's support locally he said, adding: "I do know what the answer is. We are just voting for somebody with a bit of hope but it's not happening."
Labour's perspective
For Labour supporters, Andy Burnham's rise from Greater Manchester mayor to Prime Minister has been a good thing, even if some of them still supported the party under Sir Keir Starmer. One Labour supporter said she loved Mr Burnham and felt he had done a lot of good for the region.
One woman, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said: "I feel as if he could change things. He is trying but sometimes the system doesn't allow them to do what they want to do. I do feel like he could make a difference." She said the area's shifting politics worried her, adding: "It's strange. I do not feel safe walking around the streets of Failsworth anymore. It's the way times are today. It's quite sad to say that I do not feel safe walking around the area I live."
Responding to the result, Reform leader councillor Paul Taylor said: "By elections are like no other type of election. People tend to think they are not really important when in reality they are vital if you want those you supported last May to continue being able to effect change. Reform Oldham had a plan to gain control and provide new vision and lead our town out of the place we all find ourselves now. It will take a different kind of politics in our council chamber and we at Reform Oldham feel we are up to the challenge."
Despite the loss, Labour are also happy with the result, with Lucy Powell, the party's deputy leader and the MP representing Failsworth, posting to social media the party had 'just missed out' and the result 'was a big turn around'.
Oldham Labour's leader Coun Arooj Shah also said there had been 'a complete change of atmosphere' on the doorstep, adding: "People really spoke and it's obvious they've got their hope and faith back in Labour. I think that has got a lot to do with Andy Burnham but also [candidate] Pete [Davis] and his record in the area has really paid off. This used to be a comfortable seat for Labour and we lost profoundly in May so for us it is a success. Those conversations on the doorstep, I can only go off them and they tell us people have got hope and faith back."
