Inside the Brexit-voting Labour stronghold that looks set to determine our next prime minister
The Labour Party faces a significant challenge in retaining the Makerfield constituency, a traditional stronghold that has been held since its creation in 1983. With a by-election approaching due to the resignation of Josh Simons, the party must contend with rising support for the Reform party, which recently made substantial gains in local elections. The outcome of this election could have major implications for Labour's future and its leadership under Andy Burnham.
- ▪Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983.
- ▪The upcoming by-election is triggered by the resignation of Josh Simons.
- ▪Reform party candidates won every contested ward in the recent local elections in the area.
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| Original publisher | The Independent |
| Canonical URL | https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/burnham-farage-labour-reform-makerfield-b2979556.html |
| Publication time | Sat, 23 May 2026 08:14:43 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-23T08:27:25.832Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-23T08:27:25.832Z |
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NewsUKUK Politicson the groundInside the Brexit-voting Labour stronghold that looks set to determine our next prime ministerLabour faces an almighty task to hold onto Makerfield, a seat which typifies its red wall heartlands. Is Andy Burnham the party’s only chance of stopping Reform in this former coal-mining area, which could send him to Downing Street? Dan Haygarth finds outSaturday 23 May 2026 09:14 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove…
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