Frustration is mounting among business owners in Ashton-in-Makerfield, as they voice their grievances against the Labour-led Wigan council for allegedly disregarding their concerns. This discontent comes in the wake of a political scandal that has tarnished the reputation of Labour leader Keir Starmer, leading to calls for change in a constituency that has historically supported the party.
Political Turmoil in Makerfield
The recent political climate has left many constituents feeling disillusioned. Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, entered Parliament in September 2024 with promises of change and integrity for working-class individuals. However, 17 months later, Starmer is embroiled in a controversy that has led to the resignation of two prominent figures in his administration, raising questions about his leadership.
As a close ally of the prime minister and former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, Simons has found himself in the spotlight as well. Allegations have surfaced regarding his commissioning of an investigative report into journalists scrutinising Labour Together’s funding, a move he insists was misinterpreted. “I never aimed to investigate journalists,” he asserted, claiming the inquiry was about a suspected illegal hack.
Constituents’ Frustrations
In the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield, local businesses are feeling the pinch from ongoing street renovations financed by a £6.6 million levelling up fund from the Conservative government. While the aim is to enhance the high street, some shop owners argue the disruption has negatively affected their sales.
One anonymous shopkeeper lamented, “When you approach the council with concerns, they look at you as if you’ve intruded into their personal space.” Another business owner, Fran, co-owner of The Cupcakery, reported losing approximately £3,000 in revenue last summer due to scaffolding blocking access to her shop. “They’re all a joke—liars,” she remarked, underscoring a growing sentiment of distrust towards elected officials.
The Shift in Political Loyalties
The political landscape in Makerfield has shifted significantly over the past two decades. Once a bastion of Labour support, the party has seen its voter base decline by 23 percentage points since 2001, while the Conservative Party has gained ground, particularly after the Brexit vote, where a significant 65% of the constituency opted to leave the European Union. This shift has emboldened Reform UK, which came within 5,399 votes of Labour in the last election.
Local charity leader David Baxter noted that although Simons appears to be well-connected to the community, there is a general sentiment that politicians across all parties are becoming increasingly detached from their constituents. This disconnection could have profound implications for the upcoming local elections in Wigan, where a third of the council seats will be contested.
Local Sentiment Towards Political Leaders
As the political landscape continues to evolve, residents are vocal about their dissatisfaction. Builder Carl Pilling, 56, expressed his frustration, stating, “Everything’s just a shambles—it’s ridiculous.” He voiced concerns over a range of issues, from immigration to the NHS, attributing the problems to a political class that seems more focused on self-preservation than on serving the public.
Callum Freeman, 29, who abstained from voting in the last general election, echoed similar sentiments. “Why can’t it be about making the country better?” he questioned, highlighting the yearning for a political discourse that prioritises the citizens’ needs.
Why it Matters
The plight of Ashton-in-Makerfield’s business owners illustrates a broader trend of disillusionment with traditional political parties in the UK. As Labour grapples with internal strife and mounting public frustration, the potential rise of Reform UK signifies a pivotal moment in British politics. The outcome of the upcoming local elections may well serve as a bellwether for the future of Labour and its capacity to retain support in its long-held strongholds. As constituents demand accountability and effective governance, the political landscape may shift dramatically, reflecting a broader desire for change beyond party lines.
