Voter Attitudes Toward Offensive Social Media Posts
A majority of voters in the Makerfield constituency report they would be less inclined to support an election candidate who has posted offensive material on social media, according to recent polling data.
The survey, conducted by Survation on behalf of the campaign group 38 Degrees, gathered responses from 518 voters in Makerfield. Findings revealed that 55% of respondents would be less likely to vote for a politician who had shared offensive content online. Meanwhile, 31% indicated that such posts would not affect their voting decision, and 14% were uncertain.
Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate in the upcoming by-election scheduled for 18 June, has faced criticism over his past online remarks. Broadcaster Caroline Vorderman condemned him for "disgusting comments" he made about her.
Kenyon's previous online statements include self-identifying as sexist, using derogatory terms for gay people such as "poofs," and suggesting that women have abortions to "shag anyone they want."
The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is contesting the seat to retain it for Labour following the departure of the sitting MP Josh Simons.
Support for Water Renationalisation and Wealth Tax
The poll also explored public opinion on several policy issues. Nearly 75% of respondents favored returning water companies to public ownership, while only 13% supported maintaining private ownership.
Additionally, 54% expressed support for implementing a new "wealth tax" on assets exceeding £10 million, intended to fund the NHS, schools, and other public services. In contrast, 28% opposed new taxes on wealth.
Regarding political donations, just over half of those surveyed endorsed capping the maximum amount an individual could contribute to a political party or candidate. Meanwhile, 38% believed individuals should be allowed to donate unlimited sums.
Damian Lyons Lowe, Survation’s chief executive, stated: "Voters in Makerfield hold strong views on economic fairness and accountability, and those views cut across traditional party lines. The breadth of support for water renationalisation, a wealth tax and donation caps indicates that these are not fringe positions but mainstream concerns."
Views on Employment Rights Act Measures
The survey also assessed opinions on various provisions within the Labour government’s Employment Rights Act, recently enacted by parliament. The most favored measure was setting the minimum wage at a level that covers the cost of living, with 72% supporting its retention and 12% advocating for its removal.
The rising cost of living has been a significant issue in the Greater Manchester constituency throughout the campaign.
There was substantial backing for granting families the right to paid bereavement leave following pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, with two-thirds of respondents wishing to maintain this provision. Only 11% wanted it discontinued, while 22% were unsure.
A majority (57%) supported preserving the guarantee that all workers receive sick pay from the first day of illness, compared to 26% who preferred to abolish it.
However, opinions were more divided on the ban of "fire-and-rehire" practices, where employers dismiss workers and rehire them under reduced pay or worse conditions. Forty-seven percent favored keeping the ban, while 42% supported removing it.
Campaign Group Comments
Veronica Hawking, campaigns director at 38 Degrees, commented: "Makerfield is a microcosm for how many voters across the country are feeling right now. They are crying out for change and back big, bold moves to make our country fairer, build better public services and ease the cost of living for us all.
Returning water companies to public ownership, introducing a wealth tax to fund public services and capping political donations are all policies a majority of voters here support. With all eyes on this byelection, politicians of all parties, and in both Makerfield and beyond, should take note and be ready to fight fearlessly for change like this."
