Voters in Bury South have largely welcomed the news of MP Christian Wakeford’s defection to Labour from the Conservatives.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to around a dozen people in Prestwich, at the heart of Mr Wakeford’s constituency, following the news of his change in allegiance.
Many were supportive of the first-term MP, with some adding they believe Boris Johnson should resign over the partygate scandal.
However, others said they could not see the value in Mr Wakeford’s decision — and some did not care.
In the bright Bury sunshine, Marika Thorpe and Rebecca Brejwo are working along Prestwich’s high street, pushing a pram.
“I’m not sure about it, I don’t think it solves anything,” they say. “We are Labour voters — they’ve been waiting for the Conservatives to f*** up.
“He’s trying to dodge behind the red rose. It’s a real mess.”
Another woman who is on the fence about the defection — known as ‘crossing the floor’ in political-speak — is Clare Parry.
“If it is to say [Boris] has done wrong I am in support of [Christian Wakeford],” she explains. “I do not really follow politics but I think Boris should resign.”
Boris’ possible resignation was a theme picked out by many voters. Mr D Saunders said the government was blundering through partygate.”
He explained: “This government is making a hash of whatever is going on. He has done a good thing [in leaving the Conservatives].
“Really he should not defect [to Labour]. Boris should resign.”
When asked to explain why the MP should not change his rosette colour, Mr Saunders said it was a case of ‘once a blue, always a blue’.
In contrast, the constituency Labour Party for Bury South did welcome Mr Wakeford's decision.
"I welcome the decision of the local MP to quit the failing Conservatives and join the Labour Party," chairman Paddy Heneghan, said. "Members of our constituency party will be meeting tomorrow to discuss how we will be working with our new Labour MP to fight for the interests of residents and secure a future Labour government.”
Although Mr Wakeford says his decision was not exclusively because of the lockdown socialising scandal, it was interpreted as the straw that broke the camel’s back by many.
A sizeable minority of people the M.E.N. spoke to continue to back the Prime Minister.
Mrs Boardman said: “I am quite surprised there are general people who have done the same thing as Boris.
“We should expect them to set a good example but I think there are more important things.”
Susan Smith added: “He’s a turncoat — I don’t agree with it. [Boris] has got us through the vaccinations.”
Ultimately, many people chose to focus on the Prime Minister’s response to partygate, and not the local picture.
Connor McManus, 22, surmised those views: “I don’t really have any thoughts on [Mr Wakeford].
“I’ve only really been paying attention to the Prime Minister.
“The concerns over the party are more pressing than the lower politicians.”
