Andy Burnham has claimed that communities like Makerfield have been ignored by Westminster for decades. In a piece for the Sunday Mirror, the Greater Manchester Mayor wrote that most residents in Makerfield believe Westminster does not work for towns like theirs.
Thousands of Conversations
Over the last month, Burnham said he has had thousands of conversations on doorsteps, through front windows, and in supermarket aisles. Some people told him they would vote Labour in the upcoming election, giving him energy to knock on more doors. Others stopped him to explain why they would not support Labour, and he listened to their concerns.
Many people told him they have not made up their minds yet. The majority said they have voted Labour before, but this time they are on the fence. However, one message he heard repeatedly, regardless of who they were voting for, was: 'It's broken.'
Westminster Doesn't Work for Towns Like Ours
Burnham stated that most residents in Makerfield have concluded that Westminster does not work for towns like theirs, and that too many politicians in London do not understand or care about their communities. He agreed with them. Almost a decade ago, he left Parliament to stand as Mayor of Greater Manchester because he saw decisions being taken by a handful of people in London who could not point to Makerfield on a map. He believed that decisions should be made in Wigan, Winstanley, and Worsley Mesnes, not in Westminster.
He expressed pride in achievements such as bringing the bus network under public control, securing a fair deal for the north during the Covid-19 pandemic, and standing with the Hillsborough families. However, he questioned why they had to fight for every victory, including affordable public transport, financial support during lockdown, and justice for victims.
Decades of Refusal to Listen
Burnham wrote that Westminster has refused to listen to towns like Makerfield for decades. Successive governments have turned a deaf ear to issues that matter most: decent jobs, affordable homes, safe streets, and opportunities for young people. If elected to represent the community, he vowed to make sure they are heard loud and clear.
World Cup Campaigns and Pubs
In the article, Burnham also touched on the upcoming World Cup campaigns for England and Scotland, joking that Thomas Tuchel missed a trick by leaving him out of the squad. He also highlighted the importance of pubs as the lifeblood of local communities, noting his plan to cut business rates for pubs and clubs in Makerfield.
Grassroots Campaigns Make a Difference
Burnham noted a recent success: the government agreed to fund the clearance of illegally dumped waste in Makerfield after a grassroots campaign. He said this shows the power of local communities and his commitment to giving power back to them.
