A small town named Ashton-in-Makerfield has currently become the most discussed area of British politics. This area was once considered a stronghold of the Labor Party, but now the elections to be held here can decide the path of the next Prime Minister of Britain. For this reason, the eyes of the entire country are fixed on this seat.
By-election is to be held here on June 18. Andy Burnham of Labor Party is in the fray in this election. He is currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester and has also previously been a minister in the Labor Party government. According to the report of Wall Street Journal, if Barnham wins this seat then the chair of current Prime Minister Keir Starmer may be in danger.
Why might Burnham replace Starmer?
The Labor Party suffered a major setback in the recently held local elections in Britain. After this, questions started being raised on Starmer’s leadership within the party. Many MPs want the party to get a new face. In such a situation, Andy Burnham is being seen as the leader to replace Starmer.
But this choice is not easy for Burnham. There is increasing anger among people in Britain regarding inflation, weak economy and increasing immigration. The Reform UK Party is benefiting from this. The leader of this party is Nigel Farage, who gives strict statements against immigration. His party is becoming increasingly strong in the national survey.
Labor Party weakened in Makerfield
Reform UK got almost half the votes in Makerfield in last month’s local elections. This was almost double that of the Labor Party. People here now seem angry with the traditional parties. This area was earlier known for coal mines and factories. Most of the people here come from the working class. Earlier they used to consistently vote for the Labor Party, but now the situation is changing. People believe that the old parties could not solve their problems.
Mike Yale, 49, who works in a pharmaceutical factory, says that in the last 20-30 years, taxes have increased, opportunities have decreased and immigration has increased. His father Ken Yale voted for the Labor Party all his life, but has now started supporting Reform UK.
Reform called Burnham the leader of the system.
Reform UK is calling Andy Burnham the leader of the system. The party says that Burnham is using this seat to advance his political career. Burnham has previously worked in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
The issue of Brexit is also very big here. In 2016, 65% of the people of this area voted in favor of leaving the European Union. Burnham has previously talked about reintegrating Britain into the European Union, but now he has said that now is not the right time.
Burnham suggested a solution for relief from inflation
Burnham says that the biggest problem of the people is inflation and increasing expenses. He believes that if the government spends more on public services and nationalizes some services, then people can get relief. He says that paying attention to issues like inflation and everyday expenses can reduce the increasing political conflict in the society.
Even if Burnham wins this election, he will still have to go through a long process within the party to become Prime Minister. He will have to gain the support of Labor Party MPs and party members.
Leave a Reply