Voters in Makerfield say Labour has lost their way, consider Reform or Restore Britain

The Story

A Guardian report on May 31, 2026, describes voters in the Makerfield constituency ahead of the June 18 by-election. The constituency, represented by Labour continuously since the 1900s, now sees support for Reform UK and the Restore Britain party. Key issues include flooding that hit the area on New Year’s Day 2025, an illegal 25,000-tonne waste dump in Bickershaw, and poor public transport. Voters cite disenchantment with Labour and immigration concerns as driving support away from the party. Labour candidate Andy Burnham, the Manchester mayor, is managing to regain some votes, but Reform candidate Robert Kenyon has drawn support despite past controversial online posts. Restore Britain, polling at 7% from Survation, also attracts voters who say they have lost faith in both Labour and Reform.

Key Facts

• The Guardian reported that Makerfield has been represented by a Labour MP continuously since the 1900s.
• On New Year’s Day 2025, flooding hit several areas of the constituency, forcing residents out of their homes for months.
• In Bickershaw, a 25,000-tonne dump of illegal waste has occurred, and public transport takes up to an hour to reach Manchester city centre.
• Reform UK’s candidate is Robert Kenyon; past online posts described by The Guardian include statements calling himself sexist, suggesting women had abortions to “shag anyone they want,” and describing gay people as “poofs.”
• Survation polling from last week put Restore Britain on 7% of the vote.
• The by-election is scheduled for June 18, 2026.
• Andy Burnham, the Manchester mayor, is the Labour candidate; he was formerly MP for neighbouring Leigh.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

No open questions identified in the source article.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

• Stefan Bilski (roofer, Abram village)
• Stephanie Doohan (former railway worker and trade unionist)
• Tracey Bailey (nurse and health visitor)
• Eilieen Orrell (former railway worker, trade unionist)
• Elizabeth Whitehurst (Green voter, Abram)
• Michelle Hogan (head of supply chain for a fruit juice manufacturer)
• Sarah Wakefield (Green candidate)
• Sue Houghton (supports Burnham)
• Paul Houghton (supports Burnham)
• Robert Kenyon (Reform UK candidate)
• Andy Burnham (Labour candidate, Manchester mayor)
• Rupert Lowe (leader of Restore Britain)

Sources: The Guardian