‘Labour have lost their way’: voters in Makerfield say it’s time for a change
Voters in the Makerfield constituency, a former Labour stronghold in England, are shifting support toward Reform UK due to dissatisfaction with Labour’s handling of flooding, illegal waste dumping, and immigration. Despite Reform’s controversial climate policies and candidate Robert Kenyon’s past remarks, local issues and a desire for change are driving the shift, with Restore Britain also gaining traction as a third option.
Makerfield, a constituency in northwest England once dominated by Labour since the 1900s, is experiencing a political realignment ahead of the next general election. Turquoise banners declaring ‘Makerfield needs Reform’ line the roads, reflecting growing voter frustration with the ruling party. The area, historically tied to coal mining, has faced severe flooding—including a 2025 New Year’s Day disaster—and a 25,000-tonne illegal waste dump in Bickershaw, issues residents say Labour has failed to address adequately. Residents like roofer Stefan Bilski, whose home flooded twice, cite Labour’s perceived inaction on flooding and immigration as key reasons for their shift to Reform. Bilski, whose grandfather migrated during wartime, opposes what he views as Labour’s lax stance on illegal migration. A pensioner from Bickershaw Lane, who also suffered repeated flooding, echoed this sentiment, calling Labour’s long-term dominance complacent and arguing that new housing developments have worsened local drainage problems. Reform UK’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, has faced scrutiny over past online comments, including sexist and homophobic remarks, but local supporters like former railway worker Stephanie Doohan dismiss these as personal opinions. Doohan, who flies a Reform flag outside her home, prioritizes local representation, criticizing Labour’s Andy Burnham for allegedly neglecting the constituency in favor of national ambitions. ‘He doesn’t care about Makerfield,’ she said, emphasizing the need for tangible change. However, Reform’s lead is threatened by Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, which polling shows holding 7% of voter support in the area. Some residents, like Zoe from Hindley, have lost faith in both major parties, viewing Reform as too aligned with the establishment and demanding faster action on cost-of-living pressures. The competition highlights Makerfield’s broader disillusionment with traditional politics, where economic stagnation and environmental neglect are overshadowing ideological divides.
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