The Makerfield constituency in north-west England is at the center of a political storm, with a by-election on 18 June that could have national repercussions. This former mining area, often overlooked in national politics, is now a focal point for expressions of frustration and calls for change. The election is not just about choosing a new MP; it’s potentially about selecting the next prime minister, as Labour’s candidate, Andy Burnham, has hinted at a leadership bid should he win.
Against the backdrop of a divided constituency, where some areas thrive while others struggle, the election is a litmus test for the nation’s mood. The Reform UK party, with its candidate Robert Kenyon, is challenging the status quo, while Burnham promises a departure from what he calls four decades of misguided policies. But what do the residents of Makerfield truly want, and how do their experiences shape their political views?
The two faces of Makerfield
Makerfield presents a study in contrasts. In Ashton-in-Makerfield, the largest town in the constituency, businesses like Rose’s Cafe are flourishing. Owner Yasmin Ratcliffe opened her cafe in 2026, drawn by the town’s regeneration and the local council’s £6.6m investment. ‘It’s a much better town in Ashton,’ she notes, highlighting the growing foot traffic and her expanding team.
Similarly, Chris Ratcliffe, an engineer turned entrepreneur, founded Langen, a motorcycle manufacturer, in Ashton in 2019. The company’s initial line of 100 motorbikes sold out, a testament to the town’s untapped potential. ‘There’s an element of me that wants to prove a point that we can do it here,’ Chris says, reflecting a sense of local pride and ambition.
However, the prosperity seen in Ashton, Orrell, and Winstanley does not extend to the eastern parts of the constituency. In Platt Bridge, Abram, and Hindley, residents grapple with more pressing issues, from illegal waste dumps to recurrent flooding. These challenges have fueled a sense of abandonment and a belief that ‘Britain is broken.’
The struggle of the east
In Bickershaw, an illegal waste dump has been a blight since late 2026. Despite complaints, a fire, and a criminal investigation, the mountain of waste remains, emitting an acrid smell that torments nearby residents. Nicha Rowson, who lives near the tip, has endured a rat infestation and a damaged kitchen ceiling. ‘The rats were a big thing,’ she says, her ordeal symbolizing a broader sense of neglect.
In Platt Bridge, severe flooding has struck twice in a decade. Dawn Royds, a resident, was assured in 2015 that the flood was a one-off. However, the trauma repeated itself on New Year’s Day last year. Despite government investments in flood defenses, including £329,000 allocated for 2026-27, Dawn remains unconvinced. ‘We are definitely broken,’ she declares, her words echoing a widespread sentiment.
A nation in crisis, a community divided
The sense of a ‘broken Britain’ is not unique to Makerfield. A report by More in Common found that ‘broken’ is the most common word Britons use to describe their country. In Makerfield, focus groups revealed similar sentiments, with participants expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo. However, there’s a paradox: while trust in local communities remains high, faith in national institutions is waning.
Reform UK capitalizes on this discontent, with a source stating that the ‘Britain is broken’ slogan has resonated across the country. The party’s candidate, Kenyon, focuses on hyper-local issues, such as opposing new housing developments on green-belt land, positioning himself as a champion of the ‘normal’ voter.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Burnham acknowledges the nation’s challenges but offers a different diagnosis. He argues that Britain has been on the ‘wrong path for 40 years,’ a sentiment that resonates with many in Makerfield. Yet, the nuanced views of residents suggest that the solutions may not be as straightforward as the rhetoric implies.
The power of the local
Despite the national discontent, Makerfield’s residents exhibit a strong sense of community. Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, notes that while Britain may be ‘creaking at the top,’ the foundations of community appear robust. This local resilience is a beacon of hope amidst the broader despair.
As the by-election approaches, the eyes of the nation are on Makerfield. The outcome will not only shape the constituency’s future but also send a powerful message about the state of the nation. In this forgotten corner of England, the voices of the people could echo far beyond the polling stations, influencing the course of British politics for years to come.
