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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Josh Halliday North of England editor

‘Keir Starmer doesn’t do anything but U-turns’: the bleak mood in Makerfield

Urban street view with cars in road and a person crossing
Business owners in Ashton-in-Makerfield have accused the Labour-led Wigan council of not listening to their concerns. Photograph: Joel Goodman/The Guardian

As he rose to his feet in the Commons in September 2024, the incoming Labour MP Josh Simons echoed Keir Starmer’s promise to deliver.

“Unless working people like those I am so proud to represent feel change and unless we in this chamber demonstrate humility and honesty and act with integrity and with respect, they have no reason to believe in democracy,” he said.

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