As voters prepare to head to the polls in the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, the contest has become about far more than filling a vacant parliamentary seat. The campaign has highlighted growing public frustration with mainstream politics, concerns about the cost-of-living crisis, and questions about how openly candidates engage with voters.
Political commentator Anthony Webber circulated a detailed questionnaire to all 14 candidates standing in the constituency, asking them how they would tackle rising living costs and a range of related issues. While some candidates responded in detail, several of the highest-profile contenders declined to do so, prompting criticism from those who believe voters deserve clear answers from anyone seeking elected office.
Questionnaire
Questions:
1.) What would you do to help hard-pressed people with the cost-of-living crisis?
Please keep answers as brief as possible. ………………………………………………………..
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2.) Would you support any tax cuts and/or other means of providing support for citizens suffering from the rises in energy and other costs of living?
If so, please specify………………………………………………………………………………………
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3.) Do you support abolishing business and domestic rates to provide alleviation from the high costs of living?
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4.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Iran versus Israel/USA war?
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Do you believe such action would speed up the end of conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
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5.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Russia/Ukraine war?
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Do you believe such action would speed up the end of the conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6.) Do you believe that the billions given to Ukraine every year should instead be spent on helping British citizens with the the cost-of-living crisis?
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7.) Do you believe that a stop or pause in illegal and legal immigration would save money which could be allocated to helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
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8.) Do you have any further points to make?
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The by-election is one of three parliamentary contests taking place on the same day, alongside elections in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty in Scotland. However, media attention has focused overwhelmingly on Makerfield, where many see the result as a test of wider political sentiment.
There is a strong sense among many voters that this election is about more than simply choosing a local representative. For some, it is an opportunity to send a message to Westminster and express dissatisfaction with the direction of the country.
Supporters of Labour candidate Andy Burnham view him as a politician capable of reshaping the future direction of his party. Others backing newer or insurgent political movements see the election as a chance to challenge the political establishment more fundamentally.
This desire for change has fuelled debate about whether Britain’s electoral system remains fit for purpose. Critics of the First Past the Post system argue that tactical voting often dominates campaigns and leaves many voters feeling their preferences are not properly represented. Some campaigners believe alternatives such as the Alternative Vote system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, would produce fairer outcomes and greater engagement.
One of the most controversial aspects of the campaign has been the issue of candidate participation. Several candidates, including representatives from major parties, chose not to respond to the questionnaire. Webber argues that candidates seeking public office should be willing to explain their positions on major issues, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis affecting millions of households.
Questions have also been raised about media coverage of the campaign. Some critics point to televised debates and hustings events that featured only a selection of candidates, arguing that smaller parties and independents have struggled to gain the same exposure as better-funded rivals.
The cost-of-living crisis remains the dominant issue for many voters. Rising household bills, housing costs and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on families across the country. However, candidates offered sharply different explanations for both the causes of the crisis and the solutions required.
None of Reform UK, Restore Britain, or the Liberal Democrats returned the questionnaire.
Among those who provided detailed responses was Dan Clarke of the Libertarian Party. Clarke called for higher income tax thresholds, the removal of VAT from energy bills, reductions in fuel taxes, and lower business rates for smaller firms. He also argued for a more neutral foreign policy and questioned the scale of overseas spending while domestic economic pressures remain severe.
Ed Gemmell of the Climate Party took a very different approach. He argued that the long-term answer lies in rapid economic growth driven by investment in clean technology and the transition to a net-zero economy. According to Gemmell, Britain should seek to become a global leader in green industry, generating jobs, investment and future prosperity while protecting vulnerable households during the transition.
Independent candidate Paul Gold focused on energy policy and infrastructure spending. He proposed redirecting significant public investment towards local renewable energy projects and home insulation schemes, arguing that reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable generation would help lower costs over time. He also advocated reform rather than abolition of the current business rates system.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Andy Burnham did not directly answer the questionnaire’s specific policy questions. Instead, his campaign highlighted his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester and his commitment to co-operative principles. Burnham’s message centred on community ownership, local empowerment and building a fairer economy through co-operative solutions.
The differing responses illustrate the wide range of ideas competing for support in Makerfield. They also underline how divided opinion remains on issues such as taxation, public spending, energy policy, immigration and Britain’s role in international conflicts.
Turnout may prove crucial. Previous by-elections have often seen participation fall significantly compared with general elections, making it difficult to predict the final result. With multiple parties competing for anti-establishment votes and Labour hoping to maintain support among traditional voters, even relatively small shifts in turnout could have a major impact.
Whatever the outcome, the Makerfield by-election has already exposed a broader mood of political discontent. Many voters appear increasingly sceptical of established institutions and are searching for alternatives that they believe will address their concerns more effectively.
The result will not only determine who represents Makerfield in Parliament. It may also provide an important indication of how voters across Britain are responding to the economic pressures, political divisions and growing demand for change that continue to shape the national debate.
