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.
The findings – shared exclusively with the Guardian – 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 mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK.
