Andy Burnham believes the upcoming by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield will be a straightforward victory, but conversations with voters reveal a potential major upset. The Greater Manchester Mayor aims to become an MP and challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, yet local residents are far from impressed.
Voter Discontent Runs Deep
Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan, has been a Labour stronghold since 1906, but many now feel neglected. In pubs and clubs, residents cite a lack of jobs, rising living costs, and an influx of Turkish barbers and vape shops. They accuse Labour of complacency and being out of touch.
Sheila Majakari, 82, a grandmother in Wetherspoons, declared: "Labour's finished. They are just in it for themselves. I'm voting Reform." Ex-squaddie Brian Sherman, 65, added: "Labour used to be the party of the working man. Now they don't seem bothered."
Burnham's Record Under Scrutiny
As Greater Manchester Mayor since 2017, Burnham has overseen Makerfield's transport, planning, and economic growth. Yet residents see little improvement. Richard Durrant, 61, said: "I don't like Andy Burnham. I don't trust anything he says."
Reform UK councillor Liam Clarke, 30, elected recently, noted a backlog of ignored issues: "People have finally got someone that represents them."
Immigration and Brexit Key Issues
About 65% of the constituency voted for Brexit, but Burnham has shifted his stance, opposing Brexit now but not advocating for rejoining immediately. Edith Stirrup, 77, a lifelong Labour voter, said: "People cannot get council houses, but migrants seem to. Labour's never done anything."
Residents feel unheard on immigration and rapid social changes. One shopper ranted: "Andy Burnham is just here because he wants to be PM. If he gets in, we'll never see him."
The by-election on June 18 could deliver a shock to Burnham, who refused to answer questions from the Express during a visit. Locals are ready for a change, and Reform UK is poised to capitalise on Labour's perceived failures.
