Voters in Makerfield will cast their ballots this week in a by-election expected to herald the return of Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to Parliament and, potentially, succeed Sir Keir Starmer as PM.
With Burnham effectively campaigning to be both Makerfield’s MP and Prime Minister, he has tried to bring businesses on board with promises such as cuts in business rates for pubs and small family firms while also hinting he may review Rachel Reeves’ crippling increase in National Insurance Contributions.
But members of the local business community told The Mail on Sunday they have yet to be convinced.
Neil Evans, owner of the Ashton Lock and Key shop, noted reports that a Burnham government would keep Reeves as Chancellor despite her spending decisions, which many firms say have crippled their ability to invest and hire staff.
‘Makerfield is just a stepping stone for Burnham to get into No 10 and he’s keeping Reeves, so we’re screwed,’ said Evans bluntly.
