A Town of Contradictions and Political Drama
In the constituency known as ‘Makerfield’, the name itself seems to encapsulate a sense of duplicity. It might sound like a quaint, rural setting reminiscent of Thomas Hardy’s novels, but it’s far from that. In fact, the area is more accurately described as Wigan South-West, yet the name ‘Makerfield’ has been used for political purposes rather than geographical accuracy.
The town of Ashton-in-Makerfield lies within the constituency, but its neighboring Ince-in-Makerfield is not part of it at all. This peculiar arrangement highlights the complexities of local politics and the often arbitrary nature of electoral boundaries.
A Sitting MP’s Exit and a New Political Gamble
A sitting MP is stepping down less than two years into his tenure, claiming he wants ‘change’. However, his departure comes without any mention of his involvement in a character-assassination scandal that led to his resignation as a junior minister. Now, Josh Simons hopes to be remembered not as a failed practitioner of political maneuvering, but as the one who paved the way for Andy Burnham’s political ambitions.
Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, had promised to serve a third term but now claims he is running for the seat of Makerfield because he loves and understands the area. He supports ‘change’ in the form of additional spending and vague nudges towards the Left. While some residents appreciate his work on the bus service, others are wary of his patronizing assumption that they should support him unconditionally.
Eric Cotton, a cladding engineer from Ashton, says, “I quite like Andy and we were always Labour in our house.” However, he has since joined Reform, feeling that taxes are being used to support people on benefits, which he finds frustrating. Despite the improvements in public transport, he remains committed to his stance.
A Divided Community
While Burnham has his supporters, even they acknowledge the risks he is taking. Johanne Astley, a special-needs mentor, says, “He’s great and he’s what Labour should be.” Yet, she also admits that Burnham’s decision to run for the seat could allow Nigel Farage’s Reform party to capture both Makerfield and the mayoral office he will be vacating.
Burnham himself is not available for interviews. After his wife informs reporters that he is “not at home,” he appears briefly in his running gear before returning in a silver VW Golf. His absence suggests a reluctance to engage with the media, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his campaign.
The Resignation of Josh Simons
Josh Simons, the former minister, is stepping down due to frustrations with the Establishment. He cites issues such as flooding and road construction in the constituency. He even criticizes the monarchy, pointing to an illegal toxic waste dump on land partly owned by the King. Simons argues that Whitehall and Westminster have hindered progress, and he believes Britain needs a bold Left-wing approach.
Later, I visit the Bickershaw toxic dump, which is now under the Duchy of Lancaster due to the original owner’s disappearance. This issue is significant for Simons, who sees it as a reason for his resignation. The site is near the old coal jetty immortalized by George Orwell in The Road to Wigan Pier, highlighting the historical context of the area.
A Polarizing Figure
Simons is known for his controversial actions, including commissioning a report on the private lives of journalists and reporting them to intelligence services. His attempts to justify these actions only worsened his reputation, leading to his resignation. Despite this, he claims the decision to step down was a joint one with his wife and that it was worth the sacrifice.
When asked if he would accept a peerage from a future Prime Minister Burnham, he gives a firm ‘No.’ His refusal to answer further questions indicates a desire to avoid scrutiny, especially after a recent incident where he prohibited recording while speaking to the media.
The Future of Makerfield
Burnham’s future now hinges on the electorate of Makerfield and the strategy of Nigel Farage, who has pledged to ‘throw everything’ at this seat. Unlike Gorton and Denton, which saw a clash between Reform, Labour, and the Greens, Makerfield is predominantly a white working-class area. This demographic favors Reform, which performed well in recent local elections.
Residents like Joyce, Lorese Attree, and Brian Hill express their support for Reform, citing concerns about immigration and the cost of living. The area, with its rugby league roots and small-town charm, presents a different political landscape compared to other parts of Greater Manchester.
A Crucial Election
Ashton is bustling, while Hindley, the boyhood home of George Formby, feels more desolate. The high street is partially shuttered, reflecting a more Lancastrian atmosphere. Despite some support for Burnham, many residents are leaning towards Reform, indicating a potential shift in political allegiance.
Warren Coulton, a warehouse operator, acknowledges Burnham’s past contributions but believes Reform is gaining momentum. For Burnham, this election could be a make-or-break moment, with implications not just for his career but for the entire Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer.
