Voters in Makerfield have thrown their support behind Reform UK ahead of an upcoming by-election in their constituency.
Following the announcement from Greater Manhester Mayor Andy Burnham of his plans to stand in the by-election, locals told GB News that it was a “mistake” for Josh Simons to step down to allow him to stand.
Reacting to Mr Burnham’s bid, one local told GB News National Reporter Sophie Reaper that he “doesn’t like” the decision.
He said: “I don’t really like it because he’s been brought in to try and get power in No10. At least the last MP knew the area, the library and all that.
“He’s just going to come in and try and get power in No10 and not really represent us anymore, is he?”
Another Makerfield resident took aim at Mr Burnham, branding him “self-entitled”.
He fumed: “Josh Simons stepping down was a mistake, because people around here voted for Josh Simons as opposed to voting Labour.
“And I think Andy Burnham is very self-entitled, thinking he’s going to come into here and just take the seat, because I don’t think it’ll happen. I think Reform will take it.”
Makerfield locals have delivered their verdict on Andy Burnham’s bid to run in their upcoming by-election
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GB NEWS / PA
In contrast, one voter praised the work of Mr Burnham in Manchester and told GB News that he would make a “good MP” for the people of Makerfield.
He said: “He will be a good MP. I think he stands a good chance of winning this area.
“He’s got a good hard task against Reform, but I think he’ll accomplish a victory here and hopefully go on to lead the Labour Party. I’m very sad that Starmer is going, I think he gets a bad press.”
Speaking to another Makerfield voter, he argued that the “wave is going towards Reform” in the north, particularly after the local elections.
Andy Burnham has confirmed he’ll run in the Makerfield by-election | GETTY
He explained: “To be honest, I think the wave is definitely towards Reform, because of issues that Reform say they are dedicated to tackle.
“That’s why so many of the electorate have chosen to get on board with Reform.”
Another local compared the Manchester Mayor to Reform, admitting that Mr Burnham “has his work cut out” for him in the upcoming election.
He told GB News: “Labour has gone in Ashton, we are now Reform voting town, and we’re fed up with the welfare state.
Voters told GB News that Reform ‘will take it’
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GB NEWS
“Immigration is getting a real problem within Ashton as well, so all in all, I think he’s got his job cut out to be an MP at this Makerfield seat.”
Expressing their support for Reform UK, two women voters held up a ‘vote Reform’ sign as they told Sophie that they will be “definitely” backing them in the by-election.
They said: “When they were campaigning for general election, I listened to all the candidates, and I understood the clear, simple words of Nigel Farage.
“He gave it straight, that was it. And Zia Yusuf, he’s a star, he’s strong. They come across as strong, and they come across as relatable.”