Voters in the Makerfield constituency rank the cost of living, declining high streets, and public services among the most pressing local issues, according to new research that also reveals widespread disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians.
The findings come from a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and conducted by JL Partners, shared exclusively with the Guardian. Fieldwork took place approximately two weeks before the by-election on 18 June, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham faces a challenge from Reform UK.
The poll surveyed 112 Makerfield residents with six open-ended questions about local priorities, whether politicians should be bold or cautious, and what message they would send to their new MP.
More than a third of respondents across all parties, ages, and genders spontaneously mentioned the cost of living when asked what changes would improve their lives. They frequently cited household bills, food and fuel costs, council tax reductions, and the need for affordable housing. One respondent said the cost of living must decrease "so that we can afford to actually have a life."
The fieldwork aligns with current polling showing Burnham with a narrow lead over his Reform counterpart. Among respondents, 31.2% planned to vote Labour and 30.4% Reform UK. The Greens and Conservatives each had 10.7%, with 3.6% supporting the Liberal Democrats and 13.4% other parties.
When asked about priorities for their new MP, three in ten discussed improving the local environment and public services, including high streets, roads, potholes, and NHS access. Immigration was raised by about one in eight, particularly among Reform voters.
Respondents expressed a desire for boldness from politicians, stating that "what we are doing isn't working." A female Reform UK voter aged 55-plus wanted "a better local high street which can thrive and support local farmers and businesses instead of barbers, vape shops and mini markets."
A female Labour voter aged 34-55 said her priority would be reducing costs like council tax, "instead of continuing to go up, and costs of food and petrol," adding, "I can barely survive." Another female Reform voter aged 55-plus prioritised "immigration and local housing for local people and not immigrants," claiming social housing goes to immigrants over long-term residents.
Tom Lubbock, co-founder of JL Partners, said: "Makerfield was a great seat for Andy Burnham to choose as it's a snapshot of the country in miniature. Voters here care about the cost of living and aren't asking for the Earth; they want the high street to work, their bills to come down, and a politician who tells the truth and sticks around after polling day."
Lubbock noted that Burnham "cuts both ways" in the constituency: "For some he's a prime minister-in-waiting worth voting for, for others the seat is being treated as a stepping stone rather than a constituency."
Honesty from politicians and distrust in the political system emerged as key themes. A male Labour voter aged 55-plus wanted "more honesty, less donations from wealthy business owners hoping to influence policy," and for politicians to "work for the voters rather than trying to increase their own wealth."
"The party that convinces Makerfield it will actually do what it says, rather than say what it takes to win, is the one that wins here and nationally," Lubbock added.
Veronica Hawking, campaigns director at 38 Degrees, said: "Makerfield voters are sending a crystal clear message to whoever their next MP is: we are real people, not just numbers on a page. Families here are under immense pressure from a relentless cost of living crisis, and they are completely exhausted by a political system they feel is broken and self-serving. Their feelings echo those of voters right across the country, who urgently want to see that politics cleaned up."
Hawking said voters want "more money left at the end of month, better NHS services, and improvements to their local community. And above all, they want an MP for Makerfield who they can trust, and who will deliver on their promises."
