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  "path": "/politics/andy-burnham-makerfield-by-election-voters-deliver-verdict-self-entitled",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T13:34:53.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Richard Tice delivers defiant Reform message ahead of 'two-horse race' against Andy Burnham",
    "If Andy Burnham's coronation crashes and burns, it could destroy the Labour machine - Tom Harwood",
    "Andy Burnham's Makerfield by-election bid backed by Steve Reed: 'He should stand!'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nVoters in Makerfield have thrown their support behind Reform UK ahead of an upcoming by-election in their constituency.\n\nFollowing the announcement from Greater Manhester Mayor Andy Burnham of his plans to stand in the by-election, locals told GB News that it was a \"mistake\" for Josh Simons to step down to allow him to stand.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nReacting to Mr Burnham's bid, one local told GB News National Reporter Sophie Reaper that he \"doesn't like\" the decision.\n\nHe said: \"I don't really like it because he's been brought in to try and get power in No10. At least the last MP knew the area, the library and all that.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"He's just going to come in and try and get power in No10 and not really represent us anymore, is he?\"\n\nAnother Makerfield resident took aim at Mr Burnham, branding him \"self-entitled\".\n\nHe fumed: \"Josh Simons stepping down was a mistake, because people around here voted for Josh Simons as opposed to voting Labour.\n\n\"And I think Andy Burnham is very self-entitled, thinking he's going to come into here and just take the seat, because I don't think it'll happen. I think Reform will take it.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn contrast, one voter praised the work of Mr Burnham in Manchester and told GB News that he would make a \"good MP\" for the people of Makerfield.\n\nHe said: \"He will be a good MP. I think he stands a good chance of winning this area.\n\n\"He's got a good hard task against Reform, but I think he'll accomplish a victory here and hopefully go on to lead the Labour Party. I'm very sad that Starmer is going, I think he gets a bad press.\"\n\nSpeaking to another Makerfield voter, he argued that the \"wave is going towards Reform\" in the north, particularly after the local elections.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Richard Tice delivers defiant Reform message ahead of 'two-horse race' against Andy Burnham\n  * If Andy Burnham's coronation crashes and burns, it could destroy the Labour machine - Tom Harwood\n  * Andy Burnham's Makerfield by-election bid backed by Steve Reed: 'He should stand!'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe explained: \"To be honest, I think the wave is definitely towards Reform, because of issues that Reform say they are dedicated to tackle.\n\n\"That's why so many of the electorate have chosen to get on board with Reform.\"\n\nAnother local compared the Manchester Mayor to Reform, admitting that Mr Burnham \"has his work cut out\" for him in the upcoming election.\n\nHe told GB News: \"Labour has gone in Ashton, we are now Reform voting town, and we're fed up with the welfare state.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Immigration is getting a real problem within Ashton as well, so all in all, I think he's got his job cut out to be an MP at this Makerfield seat.\"\n\nExpressing their support for Reform UK, two women voters held up a 'vote Reform' sign as they told Sophie that they will be \"definitely\" backing them in the by-election.\n\nThey said: \"When they were campaigning for general election, I listened to all the candidates, and I understood the clear, simple words of Nigel Farage.\n\n\"He gave it straight, that was it. And Zia Yusuf, he's a star, he's strong. They come across as strong, and they come across as relatable.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "'Reform will take it!' Makerfield voters deliver verdict on 'self-entitled' Andy Burnham ahead of by-election"
}