Tory Michael Winstanley Vows to Fight for 1 Makerfield Seat, Not Use It as Stepping Stone
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 2
Tory Michael Winstanley Vows to Fight for 1 Makerfield Seat, Not Use It as Stepping Stone
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 2
Summary
Michael Winstanley said he would devote himself to Makerfield rather than treat the by-election as a route to higher office, arguing voters felt like “political pawns” after the contest was triggered.
Josh Simons resigned the Labour-held seat to let Andy Burnham seek a return to Parliament and potentially launch a leadership bid, a move Winstanley said had left many constituents resentful.
Winstanley, Wigan mayor in 2010, pitched high-street regeneration in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Hindley as a priority, alongside lower business rates, less red tape and road funding to cut congestion.
He also called for a tougher response to crime and anti-social behaviour, backed leaving the ECHR to speed deportations, and said the Conservatives would contest the seat despite concerns about splitting the right-wing vote.