The town Labour is desperate to win where one issue keeps coming up
17.05.2024 - 06:51
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It was a Labour town for nearly 100 years before voters rejected the party in 2019, electing a Conservative MP for the first time.
The shock result in Leigh was repeated across the North of England at the last general election. Nearly five years on, Labour is hoping to turn the tide by winning back voters they lost and convincing those who have never voted Labour before to give them a chance.
In a pitch to voters on Thursday (May 16), Sir Keir Starmer set out what Labour would do first if it wins the next election, before sending his top team across the country to relay the message in areas they need to win back if they are to form a government. Hours later, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper appeared in front of a van advertising the party leader's six pledges in Leigh town centre.
READ MORE: It was described as a 'big shock' for Labour. But others saw it coming
The 'first steps' set out by Sir Keir include bringing about 'economic stability', cracking down on anti-social behaviour and recruiting 6,500 new teachers. The party has also promised to set up a publicly-owned clean energy company and boost border security.
But in Leigh, one issue keeps coming up. Labour has promised to cut NHS waiting times - and for many voters, this is a top priority.
Anna, who turns 76 in a few weeks' time, has lived in Leigh all of her life. But she has never voted Labour.
For her, the NHS is a 'big priority'. "I went into hospital in an ambulance recently," she told the Manchester Evening News.
"I was hungry and I was cold. That's in 2022, in this area. But I can't afford to go private. I'm on pension credits."
While she usually votes Conservatives, the pensioner is not content with the current government. But she is not convinced by