‘Labour have lost their way’: voters in Makerfield say it’s time for a change
Voters in the Makerfield byelection are turning to Reform UK and Restore Britain amid anger over flooding, immigration and Labour neglect.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
The Guardian reports from Makerfield, where long-time Labour loyalty is fraying as residents say the party has failed on flooding, local decline and immigration. Reform UK leads the field, but Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain is also drawing protest voters.
In this town, many people think the old party that used to win here has not helped enough. They are upset about floods, empty shops, and other problems.
Some are choosing a different party called Reform, while others like a newer group called Restore Britain. It is like when a school team keeps losing, so people start cheering for new players.
The story matters because it shows people changing their minds about who should lead them. When lots of voters feel ignored, elections can change in surprising ways.
Analysis
What is happening
In Makerfield, a constituency that has elected Labour MPs for generations, the political mood has shifted sharply. The Guardian says Reform UK is leading the polls, helped by frustration over flooding, concerns about immigration and a sense that Labour has taken the area for granted.
Local anger is driving the vote
The article focuses on complaints that feel practical rather than ideological. Residents describe repeated flooding in places such as Abram and Bickershaw, long periods out of their homes, falling property values and what they see as too little action from Labour. Public transport and the decline of local services also feed the sense that the area has been neglected.
Reform, Restore Britain and Labour
Reform UK’s climate policy does not appear to be a major obstacle for some voters, even in flood-hit areas. The paper also notes that troubling past online comments by Reform candidate Robert Kenyon have not stopped support from some residents who say they are voting for the party’s message, not the candidate. At the same time, Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is emerging as a real rival: polling cited by the Guardian puts it in third place, and several interviewees say they are drawn to Lowe because he talks about more than migrants. The piece suggests Labour’s choice of candidate is a major factor in whether the party can hold the seat.
Key points
- Makerfield, a long-time Labour area, is seeing strong support for Reform UK in the byelection.
- Flooding, immigration concerns and the decline of the high street are pushing voters away from Labour.
- Some voters are also backing Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party as an anti-establishment alternative.
- The Guardian says troubling past remarks by Reform candidate Robert Kenyon have not stopped some supporters.
- Labour’s candidate choice is presented as a major factor in the party’s difficulties locally.
