Makerfield voters cite immigration, flooding, Labour discontent ahead of byelection
8 reported
Voters in the Makerfield constituency, a historically Labour stronghold represented continuously since the 1900s, are expressing support for Reform UK and other parties ahead of a June 18 byelection, according to a Guardian report. The area, once at the heart of Wigan’s coal-mining industry, has seen flooding on New Year’s Day 2025 that forced residents from their homes for months, as well as a 25,000-tonne dump of illegal waste in Bickershaw. Immigration and disenchantment with Labour are driving voters toward Reform, whose candidate Robert Kenyon has faced criticism over past online posts. Labour’s candidate is Andy Burnham, the Manchester mayor and former MP for neighbouring Leigh, who polling from Survation shows with a narrow lead over Kenyon. The Restore Britain party, led by Rupert Lowe, is also a factor, with Survation polling putting it in third place on 7% of the vote. Some voters say they would not vote Labour without Burnham, while others back Reform or Restore Britain due to concerns over the high street, immigration, and perceived neglect.
What’s reported
Makerfield has been represented by a Labour MP continuously since the 1900s.
Flooding hit several areas of the constituency on New Year’s Day 2025, forcing residents out of their homes for months.
Bickershaw villagers have endured a 25,000-tonne dump of illegal waste.
Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon has past online posts stating “I’m sexist, sorry but I am,” suggesting women had abortions to “shag anyone they want,” and describing gay people as “poofs.”
Labour candidate Andy Burnham is the Manchester mayor and formerly the MP for neighbouring Leigh.
Survation polling shows Burnham with a narrow lead over Kenyon, and Restore Britain in third place on 7% of the vote.
The Green party is fielding candidate Sarah Wakefield but not dedicating the resources it put into the Gorton and Denton byelection.
The byelection is scheduled for June 18.
Key figures
Stefan Bilski, a roofer in Abram
Robert Kenyon, Reform UK candidate
Stephanie Doohan, a former railway worker and trade unionist supporting Reform
Andy Burnham, Labour candidate and Manchester mayor
Elizabeth Whitehurst, a Green voter supporting Burnham
Michelle Hogan, head of a supply chain for a fruit juice manufacturer
Sarah Wakefield, Green candidate
Sue Houghton and Paul Houghton, voters supporting Burnham
Tracey Bailey, a nurse and health visitor supporting Restore Britain
Eilieen Orrell, a former railway worker and trade unionist supporting Restore Britain
Zoe, a voter in Hindley supporting Restore Britain
An unnamed pensioner on Bickershaw Lane
Sources: The Guardian
