Labour Candidate Andy Burnham Campaigns in Makerfield By-Election

Andy Burnham, Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election, is using personal connections and name recognition in the constituency south of Wigan. The seat, part of Greater Manchester, recorded a Labour majority of 5,399 at the last general election. Reform UK won every council seat in recent local voting.

Burnham has visited residents' homes during the campaign.

Thomas Hunt, 48, a construction worker in Winstanley, said Burnham had been in his front room and that he would return to Labour because of the candidate. Hunt previously voted for Reform UK. He cited Burnham's record on the north-south divide as a reason for switching back.

Thompson, who runs a record shop in Ashton-in-Makerfield, said he will vote Reform UK. He stated that the country needs to give another party a chance. Matthew Malone, 37, a bricklayer who has never voted before, said he may vote this time. He expressed concern about immigration levels and housing supply.

Rob Taylor, 51, said he is considering Restore Britain after previously planning to support Reform UK. He cited immigration levels and dissatisfaction with the Labour Party. Callum Stirrup, 27, a dryliner, said he cannot afford to move out of his parents' home despite working five or six days a week.

The constituency is 97 per cent white.

Restore Britain canvassers have been visible with a slogan calling for detention and deportation of illegal immigrants. The Rev Robert Foreman, minister at the Park Lane Unitarian Chapel in Bryn, said the by-election creates unnecessary stakes because a Labour MP resigned to allow voters to remove a Labour prime minister.

Alan Heaton, 83, said he will vote for Burnham but would support Keir Starmer over Burnham in a leadership contest. Patricia Halsall, 82, said she views Nigel Farage as dangerous.