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Burnham Apologizes, Conservatives Win 24 Seats in Makerfield Council

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham apologised to Makerfield residents for the “circus” campaign and pledged to centre working-class communities.
The Conservatives and Reform UK nominated Michael Winstanley and won 24 of 25 council seats, with Robert Kenyon criticised for posts praising U.S. President Donald Trump.
Burnham said he will not reopen the Brexit debate, will respect 2016 referendum, and will work to lower rents, bills and transport fares.

History

Historical Context

In the 1979 general election, the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher won a 43-seat majority, securing 339 seats and a 5.2% swing—the largest since 1945. That victory began 18 years of Conservative rule and introduced neoliberal reforms that reshaped housing policy. Today Labour’s appeal to working-class voters echoes the backlash to those policies.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham apologised to Makerfield residents for the “circus” campaign and pledged to centre working-class communities.
The Conservatives and Reform UK nominated Michael Winstanley and won 24 of 25 council seats, with Robert Kenyon criticised for posts praising U.S. President Donald Trump.
Burnham said he will not reopen the Brexit debate, will respect 2016 referendum, and will work to lower rents, bills and transport fares.

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