Post

Makerfield is a *terrible* seat demographically for the Green Party. Don't think they could possibly win it. But they could potentially take 4,000-5,000 votes off Labour's total if they campaigned aggressively. That could prove decisive. Fateful even. *If* they campaign aggressively.

Peter Walker@peterwalker99.bsky.social

In Makerfield/Burnham news, the Greens *will* be standing someone and, it seems, campaigning fully, which will make Burnham's task trickier. There had been talk they could stand aside in return for a commitment on electoral reform.

James Ball

@jamesrball.com

Thing is, if there was even a hint of a deal (presumably on PR), Reform could likely use that to mobilise their own voters. Tricky business, politics...

15/5/26, 10:09 am0 reposts20 likes

Bob

@brnew.bsky.social

15 May

PR helps Reform more than anyone, doesn't it? See local and old MEPs...

Alexandra Lanes

@ajlanes.bsky.social

15 May

It’s still I think their party policy.

Tim

@timblue.bsky.social

15 May

Not any more. It did until they got ahead...which under FPTP gives you total control. Of course as they went up in the polls, their interest in PR strangely declined.

Magnus Ramage

@magnusramage.bsky.social

15 May

I wouldn't want to defend Reform in any way, but a decline in an interest in PR as parties do well from FPTP is alarmingly common.

Tim

@timblue.bsky.social

15 May

Oh absolutely. When narrow and short term self-interest vies with what's actually best that's tougher than when they align.

hillmanblimp.bsky.social

@hillmanblimp.bsky.social

15 May

Also I don't think voters like the sort of too-cute finagling that Burnham is attempting. And it seems pretty grasping & opportunistic to me, which might also sway a chunk of votes. Also the sheer comedy value when he loses to Reform first in the seat, then in the Mayoralty he'll be made to vacate.