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Original poster

Voters of Makerfield show you are not some pawns in a political power struggle

102 replies

Goatsarebest · 14/05/2026 19:42

The voters of Makefield are being used in a political power struggle that is not of their choosing. They elected a MP who has decided that he wants another person to represent them so he can challenge the sitting PM.
AIBU to say they should reject this and not vote the puppet candidate in.
Vote IABU somebody needed to stand down so there would be a credible challenge to the current leadership.
Vote IANBU an elected MP should represent the people who elected them for their full term.

OP posts:
WhatAMarvelousTune · 14/05/2026 19:48

It’s insane to me that they think he’ll win this. In an area that just voted Reform in the local elections, and with constituents who may well feel as OP describes.

And of course, even if Starmer predicts this, he can’t block Burnham from standing without looking like it’s because he’s scared of him (which he may well be, but I still think saying “no, you were elected mayor so do that and don’t risk us losing a Labour seat” would be a reasonable position).

BlueMum16 · 14/05/2026 19:44

I think it's a massive gamble.

What if Labour dont win the seat? Does someone else then stand down to give him another chance?

I like AB and wish him well. If this was in my area I would be happy with the decision for someone to step aside but after the fiasco with Mike Almesbury and Reform getting in I'd be more concerned about that.