Located in the southwestern part of the Bury neighborhood, Radcliffe has long been a site of controversy and political turmoil. Crowded terraced houses, once home to workers in a thriving paper industry, have stunning views of lush green fields.
These areas of the city, north of Manchester, are home to some of the narrowest election competitions in the area – divided between Labor, the Conservatives and the independent group Radcliffe First.
Bury’s two polling stations are among the most marginalized in the UK, becoming conservative in 2019 when Bury South Tory MP Christian Wakeford dramatically dropped out of Labor over growing anger against Boris Johnson. His predecessor, Ivan Lewis, left Labor during disciplinary proceedings and campaigned for Wakeford.
James Daly, Tory’s northern neighbor in Wakeford, has even closer places – his victory with 105 votes means that he is the most marginal in England. Both Boris Johnson and Labor leader Keir Starmer have been campaigning here in recent weeks.
As longtime Labor activist Paddy Hennessy said, “If we don’t win both, then we can put it all together now.”
Despite the seemingly favorable political climate, Labor is worried about Bury, where every place is for re-election. Starmer launched his local campaign in the city, unusual for a Labor council.
Nick Jones, the leader of the conservative group, says there is “no doubt” that his party could win seats, likely to move the council without full control.
Wednesday’s Labor leaflet targeted the Independents with a photo of Johnson, “he wants you to vote for Radcliffe first,” a sign of how Johnson is now seen as an electoral asset for Labor.
But the Conservatives have kept their campaign focused on the current Labor Council and away from national politics – with no pictures of Johnson in sight – including opposing plans for green belt housing, clean air taxes in Greater Manchester and potholes. “When we knock on doors, we’re not there to talk about Downing Street. We are talking about potholes on their street. Street lighting, bins. After all, this is a tired, inactive Labor Council, ”said Jones.
Both sides are struggling to take credit for a new high school in Radcliffe, which briefly came to the attention of the media when Wakeford said Tory’s whips threatened to cancel it if it revolted.
Wakeford is Bury’s most famous deserter – but out in the evening light is Gareth Staples-Jones, who retired from Labor in the same week as Wakeford, albeit from Radcliffe First.
Born into a Labor-backed family, he campaigned on several streets of the paper mill where his grandfather was a wagon driver. On the corner of the street is the house with a terrace where his mother grew up.
Gareth Staples-Jones (left) and Labor members campaign in Radcliffe West. Photo: Christopher Thomond / Guardian
“I’m getting so emotional about Radcliffe,” he says. “Three generations of families live on these streets, there are not many places like this anymore. I’ve been to so many kitchens talking about things like antisocial behavior. I solved it the same week, but after six months the problem returned. You are beginning to realize that people need more change at the national level, money, gaps in the law. That means everything around. That’s why I made the leap to work. “
In every house there is a new, diverse opinion, from full-throated Labor, through conservative supporters, to very indecisive. Most people mention Partygate, but often dismissive comments spill over into the general condemnation of politicians.
“All the main parties annoy me,” says Sue Kagan in her neat front garden. “None of them speak for us. With Labor, Corbyn did it for me. I usually vote for green as an alternative. But there is a feeling that there is a real rift even more with the daily struggles and politicians of the people. “
Starmer’s efforts to change the party have been noted, but many are skeptical of the Labor leader. One voter called the disc, “tell Cair to be a little bolder.”
Another longtime Labor voter, 61-year-old Loretta Anthony, said she did not like Starmer. “I’m really hesitant this time, I’m sorry to say I don’t like this man. We really need someone with a little backbone to stand up to people who say, “Oh, you can’t do this or that, it’s not right.” But Johnson is also unpopular. “He’s a clown.”
The cost of living is another key factor in people’s minds. Rich Shaw, 31, is hesitant, but says he will vote next week. “I want to know exactly what each country has to say about attracting people to work, getting good pay, good working hours,” he said.
There are still many hard-working Labor voters who mention long family life. “Work is for the working class,” said Susan Henderson, a caregiver on her doorstep. “When Labor was in power, they were for it. Conservatives are happy for the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. ”
Bury South Tory MP Christian Wakeford has run away from Labor over growing anger at Boris Johnson. Photo: Danny Lawson / PA
Staples-Jones is optimistic that the anger he hears on the doorstep can be directed to positive action for change. “When you really reduce the vote, it’s an emotional decision about how people feel – and the main thing they feel is being angry. They need to know that there are people who understand this, who feel the same way they do, and that they will fight for their best interests. “
He admits that his own place hangs in the balance, but says he will not be deterred if he loses, describing a new sense of motivation among activists. “I feel excited and energetic now. It’s a new awakening. “
Labor is optimistic about better Jewish listening. A number of young Sharedi families have moved to Radcliffe in recent years, and Hennessy has also campaigned in Prestwich, where there is a large secular Jewish community.
Most Labor people are wary of whether Starmer has won back those who rejected Corbyn’s party. There is talk of a “long Corbyn” among Jewish and Red Wall voters who disliked the previous leader.
But there are small signs of progress. Hennessy estimates that about 10-15 people per shift, about 150 homes, take turns. Several say Wakeford has struggled to be a voice against anti-Semitism, although he faced angry voters at an event at the Whitefield Synagogue last week who said they felt “cheated” by his desertion.
But in this election, the Tories are the ones who feel hotter about anti-Semitism – two conservative councilors withdrew their party support after anti-Semitic Facebook posts were discovered.
Several Labor activists say how appalling the atmosphere was in 2019 among Jewish voters. “We used to be called out of the doorway, but now we’re not,” Staples-Jones said. “Two years after the election, it’s not such a bad place to work.”
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