Andy Burnham has failed his own Makerfield Test, according to new polling that shows voters in his own constituency want decisions made in Britain, not by the EU.
In June, the then future Prime Minister promised a 'Makerfield Test', named for the constituency that newly elected him. Burnham said nothing would be done to the UK that the people of Brexit-voting Makerfield would not stomach.
Poll shows strong UK control preference
Pollster Survation returned to Makerfield and asked residents who should decide VAT, which criminals should be allowed in, who should decide whether the NHS can approve a drug, whether a council can buy British, and whether the government can put money into a town.
On every issue, a clear majority – never lower than 67% and rising to 80% – said the UK government alone, not in partnership nor alignment. Power should be held in Britain and accountable to the British people.
Key figures on state aid and VAT
On state aid for regional development, the very thing Burnham wants to provide the North, that figure rises to 80%. On who sets VAT, 78% said the UK government. On refusing criminals entry to the UK, 75% agreed.
The polling comes on the eve of Burnham's EU summit, where he will moot rejoining the bloc via the backdoor. Yet the test which the PM set out definitively shows his own stomping ground in Manchester – the folks he represents – don't want this.
Red Wall concerns
No good Burnham looking to back British if the European Commission and judges keep blocking his plans. Red Wall constituencies like Makerfield won't take kindly to having the wool pulled over their eyes.
Burnham is failing his own test and it's time the public knew.
