I've interviewed Reform UK voters – and they're much more progressive than you might think | Sacha Hilhorst
Interviews with voters in Mansfield reveal a shift towards more progressive views among those who traditionally support Reform UK. Many express frustration with politicians and the rising cost of living, indicating a desire for radical change. This suggests that post-industrial towns may not be as lost to the left as previously thought.
- ▪Voters in Mansfield are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political parties, particularly Labour.
- ▪Many interviewees express a desire for political reforms such as rent controls and a ban on second jobs for MPs.
- ▪The rising cost of living has led to significant changes in shopping habits and a push for price controls on food staples.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Politics |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/18/reform-voters-progressive-post-industrial-northern-england |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:02 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-18T07:14:56.096Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-18T07:14:56.096Z |
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Shoppers in Mansfield town centre. Photograph: Fabio De Paola/The ObserverView image in fullscreenShoppers in Mansfield town centre. Photograph: Fabio De Paola/The ObserverOpinionUK cost of living crisisI’ve interviewed Reform UK voters – and they’re much more progressive than you might thinkSacha HilhorstOver the past five years, I’ve spoken to people struggling to get by in post-industrial northern England. They’re crying out for more radicalism, not lessMon 18 May 2026 03.00 EDTShareAmong other defeats, the recent local elections saw Labour lose heavily across the Midlands and the north of England.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Politics.
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