Burnham's Fiery Showdown: Makerfield Hustings Ignites Debate on Farage and Belfast Riots

As polling day for the Makerfield by-election draws near, five leading candidates participated in a Manchester Evening News hustings at Winstanley College. The event saw candidates from Labour, Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, and the Green Party engage with an audience comprising students, teachers, journalists, and local residents on a range of critical issues including immigration, Green Belt development, women's rights, heritage protection, and opportunities for young people. The debate, described as a battle of ideas and an endurance test, highlighted the starkly different directions the constituency could take.

The hustings featured Greater Manchester Labour Mayor Andy Burnham, Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, Liberal Democrat Jake Austin, Conservative Michael Winstanley, and Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield. While Rebecca Shepherd from Restore Britain was invited, she did not attend. The candidates were extensively quizzed by local voters, focusing also on the cost-of-living crisis and the state of the health service, leading to a dynamic and at times contentious exchange.

A central theme of the hustings was immigration, particularly in the wake of the Belfast stabbing and the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton. Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon attributed the violence to "illegal immigration," advocating for a strict policy, including stopping boats and removing individuals without the right to be in the UK. In response, Andy Burnham countered by pointing the finger at former Tory ministers Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick—now both Reform MPs—for overseeing historically high net migration levels. He warned against politicians "stoking division" with their words, drawing parallels with the unrest in Belfast and Southampton. Liberal Democrat Jake Austin condemned the violence as a "consequence of years of rhetoric from the extreme right," while Green candidate Sarah Wakefield urged for a "politics of compassion" and welcoming people fleeing persecution.

The future of the Green Belt was another significant point of discussion, resonating strongly with the local audience, especially given the ongoing debate around building 432 homes on land near Winstanley Hall. All five candidates unanimously supported protecting green spaces, advocating for developers to prioritize brownfield sites closer to towns and transport links before encroaching on the Green Belt. This stance garnered significant applause, particularly for Conservative Michael Winstanley's pledge to protect it.

Women's rights also emerged as a contentious issue. Sarah Wakefield from the Green Party expressed concern over potential risks to women's rights, particularly from the Reform Party, ironically noting their claim of being the "most pro-women party in history." Robert Kenyon faced a challenging moment when discussing Reform's support for women's rights, which was met with laughter from parts of the audience, highlighting the skepticism surrounding his party's stance on the matter.

Clashes between Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon were a recurring feature of the debate. Kenyon criticized Burnham for using Makerfield as a "stepping stone" for national political ambitions and attacked his spending on the controversial Clean Air Zone. Burnham, in turn, largely aimed his fire at Reform leader Nigel Farage, cautioning against politicians whose words "have consequences" in stoking division. Burnham passionately defended his record, referencing his support for the Hillsborough families and emphasizing his deep connection to the region, promising to "unite this constituency" and build a better country through a "new politics" focused on place, not party.

The candidates' choices for political inspirations offered further insight into their ideologies. Michael Winstanley's praise for Margaret Thatcher was met with groans from the largely student audience. Robert Kenyon cited Winston Churchill as his inspiration, while Andy Burnham chose Aneuryn "Nye" Bevan, the architect of the NHS, expressing a desire for a politics with similar bravery and courage to address national issues. Jake Austin's choice of Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation" proved less relatable to a significant portion of the audience.

Audience reactions, particularly from the engaged college students, provided a gauge of the candidates' performances. Many students, despite diverse political leanings, expressed frustration with modern politics but remained actively engaged. Andy Burnham solidified his support, with many finding his ambition and commitment to Makerfield commendable. Sarah Wakefield was highly praised for her sharp and articulate delivery, resonating well with younger voters. While Michael Winstanley was acknowledged for his local knowledge, his Thatcher comments detracted from his performance. Robert Kenyon's local credentials were noted, but his struggles on immigration and women's rights, coupled with his party's perceived divisiveness, led to criticism. Jake Austin struggled to leave a significant impression.

Looking ahead, Andy Burnham outlined a "contract" for Makerfield, promising to use the by-election's mandate to give the area a powerful political voice. His pledges include initiatives to prevent home flooding, improve road infrastructure, ensure infrastructure is in place for new developments, establish a "youth zone," and provide a "permanent GP solution" in Orrell, with full details expected soon.

Overall, the hustings painted a picture of a constituency grappling with national and local issues, with candidates presenting distinct visions. The event underscored the deep divisions within the current political landscape and the yearning among voters, particularly young ones, for a politics that prioritizes unity, compassion, and tangible solutions for their communities.