Voters in Makerfield rank the cost of living, declining high streets and public services as among the most important issues locally, with many also disillusioned by the political system and distrustful of politicians, according to research.<\/p>\n
The findings \u2013 shared exclusively with the Guardian \u2013 come from a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners. The fieldwork took place roughly two weeks before the byelection on 18 June, when the Greater Manchester<\/a> mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK.<\/p>\n In the poll, 112 residents of the Greater Manchester constituency were asked six open-ended questions which included their views on areas and changes they wanted prioritised, whether politicians should be bold or cautious, and what their message would be to their new MP.<\/p>\n More than a third of people across party preference, age and gender spontaneously brought up the cost of living when asked what changes would make life for them and their families better.<\/p>\n Respondents frequently mentioned the cost of household bills, food and fuel, lowering council tax, and the need for affordable housing, with one saying the cost of living needed to come down \u201cso that we can afford to actually have a life\u201d.<\/p>\n At the last general election 31.2% of the respondents had voted Labour and 30.4% Reform UK; 10.7% had voted Green and the same number Conservative, 3.6% had been Liberal Democrat voters, and 13.4% had voted for other parties.<\/p>\n The high street in Ashton-in-Makerfield. One voter said she wanted to see \u2018a better local high street which can thrive and support local farmers and businesses instead of barbers, vape shops and mini markets\u2019. Photograph: Gary Oakley\/Getty Images<\/p>\n When asked what issues their new MP should prioritise, three in 10 talked about fixing the local environment and public services, including high streets, roads and potholes, and access to NHS services. Immigration was raised as a priority for the new MP by about one in eight, with the issue particularly pertinent among Reform voters.<\/p>\n The respondents also said they wanted to see boldness from politicians, because \u201cwhat we are doing isn\u2019t working\u201d.<\/p>\n One Reform UK voter, in the 55-plus age-group, said she wanted to see \u201ca better local high street which can thrive and support local farmers and businesses instead of barbers, vape shops and mini markets\u201d.<\/p>\n