On the ground in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, voters are expressing strong opinions about the upcoming by-election. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has announced his intention to stand for the seat, prompting a mix of excitement and skepticism among residents.
Voter Sentiment
Joan Preston, 82, a former lifelong Labour voter, abandoned the party under Sir Keir Starmer but says she would return if Burnham stands. “I would go with Labour if Andy Burnham stood,” she said. “We’d always voted Labour… Burnham’s for the working people.” She believes Burnham could beat Nigel Farage and even replace Starmer as prime minister.
Shelley Briody, 68, a retired support worker, echoed this view. “I’ve not voted Labour for a while because of Starmer,” she said. She sees Burnham as the only Labour politician who could win her back, citing his work on transport links in the North.
Reform UK Threat
Reform UK made significant gains in the local elections, winning 24 of 25 seats on Wigan Council. This poses a serious challenge to Burnham. Nigel Farage has promised to “throw absolutely everything” at the by-election. The seat, historically safe for Labour, saw its majority shrink to 5,000 at the last general election.
Criticism and Opportunism Claims
Not all residents welcome Burnham’s candidacy. Gillian Smith, 71, a former Conservative voter now backing Reform, said, “I feel like we’re being used… what poor constituency is going to have to suffer?” She resents being part of a Labour leadership drama.
Shah Khan, 80, a lifelong Labour voter, believes the seat is being used to further Burnham’s ambitions. “I think it is a betrayal of the people of Ashton,” he said.
Support for Burnham
Andy Connellan, 68, a school governor and swing voter, supports Burnham, calling him “plain-speaking” and “connected.” Kevan and Patricia Ball, both 82, also back him, with Kevan stating, “Burnham understands the working class.”
The by-election will test whether Burnham’s personal popularity can overcome the Reform surge and voter disillusionment with Starmer.
