ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England — In what could be one of the most pivotal special elections in Britain, voters are expressing their frustration, eager for someone to address their concerns.
This sentiment emerged from a focus group conducted by Public First for POLITICO in Makerfield, a former mining district in northwest England, which faces a key vote on June 18 that could decide the next prime minister.
Some participants believe Andy Burnham, Labour’s candidate and leading contender to succeed Keir Starmer as PM if he can re-enter Parliament, could make a difference. However, the prevailing feeling during the 90-minute discussion at the Golden Lion pub was one of skepticism and bitterness: Life in 2026 is perceived as increasingly difficult and costly, they said.
The aim of Wednesday’s focus group was to delve into the current state of life in Makerfield and gauge voter sentiments ahead of the upcoming by-election. Participants included individuals with diverse political backgrounds, from long-standing Labour supporters to those leaning towards right-wing parties and undecided voters. Yet, they shared similar worries about rising living costs, immigration, public safety, and growing societal inequality.
“These were not a group of people that were thrilled about anything that was going on in Westminster,” stated Seb Wride, head of polling at Public First, who led the discussion.
Can Burnham overcome the prevailing disillusionment with politics? Or will Nigel Farage’s hard-right Reform UK party channel the dissatisfaction with “two-tier” Britain and unseat Labour from a territory it has held for years?
Here are the key insights from POLITICO’s focus group in Makerfield:
Starmer’s Labour Party has fallen short
Starmer did not receive praise from the group, with some feeling his government was indistinguishable from the Conservatives’ 14-year tenure. None of the nine participants thought he had performed well as prime minister.
The perception of Labour’s brand has suffered as a result.
Tom, a father planning to vote for Reform UK, criticized Labour’s claim to represent the working class, citing the high cost of living as evidence against it. “How are they for the working class anymore?” he questioned.
Living costs are unbearable
Participants readily recounted rising prices: from fast-food meals to rent and cinema trips, the cost of living has soared and become unmanageable for many in Makerfield, they said. Family vacations that were once affordable are now “just a dream,” one participant noted.
Jenny, a retiree, described the cost of living as “terrible.”
Paul, a father juggling three jobs from 7:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., feels disheartened. “No one should work 60 hours a week and not be able to have a nice life,” he said. “It’s a joke.”
Political pessimism prevails
Few in the group could name a political leader from the past decade who positively impacted their lives.
Peter, typically a Conservative voter, praised David Cameron’s Brexit referendum decision from a decade ago. Some participants looked back nearly 20 years to Tony Blair as the last prime minister who delivered results for them.
However, most lacked confidence in the current political figures making a difference.
“No government is going to change it,” remarked Paul. “They’re all crooks, mate. Biggest gangsters in the world.”
Bob, in his 90s, added: “I’ve not met a bloody good one yet to be honest.”
Immigration concerns are prominent
Farage’s Reform UK is gaining traction in national polls and local elections, with a chance to take Makerfield from Labour. His focus on immigration resonates with the group.
The group frequently mentioned “HMOs,” which stands for Houses in Multiple Occupation, perceived as housing for migrants.
Participants worry that landlords and developers are converting homes to accommodate newly arrived immigrants, not local families. They fear this raises rent prices and alters their community, which is 95 percent “White British.”
They also believe illegal migrants are burdening the local health service, making it difficult for taxpayers to access care.
Farage gains support for change
Frustrated with the current state and seeking change, several group members are increasingly drawn to Reform UK.
“I’ve always voted Labour. This is the first time I’m not voting Labour, I’m voting Reform,” said Tom, who is married with two children and works full-time. “They are pushing big on immigration, which is one of our biggest factors.” Though Reform isn’t perfect, he added, “it’s more how bad the country’s got over the years with Labour in charge. There needs to be change.”
Dan, another father struggling financially, also plans to switch from Labour to Reform: “I think the country just needs a bit of a shakeup, even if it’s just for one term.”
Crime is a major issue
Crime and disorder are rising concerns. A knife attack in Belfast this week, leading to protests and unrest, was prominent in the group’s discussions. They also expressed worries about local crime, including “feral kids” causing disturbances and making residents feel unsafe.
Participants noted a decrease in police presence and concern about the lack of attention to incidents in Ashton-in-Makerfield, the largest town in the constituency.
Unfairness in “two-tier” Britain
The belief in a “two-tier” system where ordinary Brits are disadvantaged is gaining traction among the right in British politics.
Farage and Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch have highlighted recent high-profile cases to emphasize this, and the focus group showed it resonated, even with some Labour voters.
“We need to come up with a better system that makes it fair for everybody. It is a two-tier system here,” said Peter, the local butcher, who is shifting from Conservatives to vote for Labour’s Burnham.
Many agreed the issue extends beyond policing to a broader sense of unfairness, with places like London and Manchester receiving more resources, leaving towns like Ashton struggling.
“A lot of the politics, like Andy has said, has been Londonised. We need somebody from up north,” Peter remarked.
Traffic congestion and development concerns
In addition to immigration, changes to the area’s “close-knit” community are troubling many. Plans to build numerous new homes and five “super unit” warehouses could significantly increase traffic, overwhelming the existing road network.
The green spaces around Ashton are valued, and several participants expressed opposition to development that would transform their area into another sprawling suburb like Liverpool or Manchester.
‘Andy cares’
Burnham’s tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester is seen positively, even by those unlikely to vote for him.
Participants mentioned his successes in improving local transport and increasing police numbers. Two individuals shared instances where Burnham personally addressed their family issues.
Overall, there is a belief that Burnham, having grown up nearby and previously representing the area in parliament, understands their struggles. Bob, Peter, Emma, and Mandy all plan to vote for Burnham.
“He just comes over as if he cares and as if he wants to sort the country out,” said Mandy, who works part-time as a cleaner and merchandizer. “I just think he seems to be a more down-to-earth person who is looking out for people. He seems more genuine.”
Many believe that having a prime minister from the North would benefit their region. “We need better leadership,” Peter added. “We need somebody who cares and I do feel like Andy cares.”
