With just three weeks remaining until the Makerfield byelection, a potential victory for Andy Burnham could significantly alter the trajectory of the Labour party. Pippa Crerar joined Burnham on the campaign trail in Wigan and Leigh, engaging with voters at their doorsteps to gauge their opinions.
Campaign Trail Insights
During the canvassing, Burnham discussed key local issues, including public services and economic recovery. Voters expressed mixed feelings, with some praising his track record as Mayor of Greater Manchester, while others voiced concerns over national party policies.
Candidate Lineup
The full list of candidates for the Makerfield by-election is diverse, featuring:
- Jake Austin – Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface – Count Binface party
- Andy Burnham – Labour and Co-operative party
- Dan Clarke – Libertarian party
- John Dyer – Independent
- Ed Gemmell – Climate party
- Paul Gould – Independent
- Alan ‘Howling’ Laud Hope – The Official Monster Raving Loony party
- Robert Kenyon – Reform UK
- Robert Pownall – Independent
- Rebecca Shepherd – Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield – Green party
- Peter Ward – Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley – Conservative party
Burnham, standing for Labour and Co-operative, is seen as a strong contender, but the presence of independent and smaller party candidates could split the vote.
Voter Sentiment
On the doorsteps, voters highlighted concerns about the cost of living, NHS waiting times, and local infrastructure. Some undecided voters said they were waiting to see how the campaign unfolds before making a choice. Burnham emphasized his commitment to representing Makerfield's interests and addressing these issues if elected.
The byelection, triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue, is seen as a test of Labour's popularity under Keir Starmer's leadership. A win for Burnham would bolster his influence within the party and potentially signal a shift in policy direction.
Listeners can watch Pippa Crerar's interview with Andy Burnham on the campaign trail and send comments and questions to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com.
Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images
