Cost of living and high streets among top priorities for Makerfield voters, poll shows

Exclusive: Research showing Andy Burnham holding slim lead finds honesty in politicians and immigration also rank as important

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 new research.

The findings come from a focus group, shared exclusively with the Guardian, which was commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners. The fieldwork took place roughly two weeks ahead of the byelection on 18 June, when the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK.

It polled 112 Makerfield residents, who were asked six open-ended questions, which included their views on areas and changes they wanted prioritised, whether politicians should be bold or cautious, as well as what their message would be to their new MP.

More than a third of people, across every party, age and gender, spontaneously brought up the cost of living when asked what changes would make life for them and their families better.

Respondents frequently mentioned the cost of household bills, food and fuel, lowering council tax, and the need for affordable housing, with one saying the cost of living needed to come down “so that we can afford to actually have a life”.

The fieldwork reflected current polling, which shows Burnham with a narrow lead over his Reform counterpart. Of the respondents, 31.2% were planning to vote Labour and 30.4% Reform UK . Both Greens and Conservatives were on 10.7%, with 3.6% planning to vote Liberal Democrat, and another 13.4% for other parties.

When asked what issues their new MP should prioritise, three in 10 talked about fixing the local environment and public services; including high streets, roads and potholes, and access to NHS services. Immigration was raised as a priority for the new MP by about one in eight, with the issue particularly pertinent among Reform voters.