Michael Winstanley Pledges Makerfield By-Election Focus on Constituency, Not Political Advancement
Michael Winstanley, the Conservative candidate for the Makerfield by-election, has committed to an exclusive focus on local concerns, rejecting the notion of using the contest as a springboard for national political advancement. He noted that many constituents in Greater Manchester felt like 'political pawns' and expressed 'resentment' regarding the by-election.
Mr Winstanley, a former Wigan mayor in 2010, articulated his dedication to providing an 'authentic voice' for the area in Westminster. Party leader Kemi Badenoch has endorsed him as an 'excellent champion of the area'.
Key policy planks include the regeneration of high streets in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Hindley, which he proposes to achieve through cuts to business rates and reduced bureaucracy. He argued that fostering a strong economic environment would help local businesses thrive and increase footfall.
Furthermore, Mr Winstanley highlighted the necessity of investing in the road network to alleviate congestion and promised a robust approach to combating crime and anti-social behaviour following a recent increase in such incidents.
Addressing concerns about splitting the right-wing vote, Mr Winstanley asserted his party's commitment to contesting and winning every election, emphasising democratic principles. On immigration, he reiterated his party's stance on withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and deporting individuals without a right to remain in the UK, expressing regret that the Rwanda plan had not been implemented earlier.
He also pledged to reduce taxes to alleviate the cost of living burden, aiming to ensure 'more money in people's pockets'. Mr Winstanley concluded by stressing his deep roots in the Makerfield constituency, stating, 'it's not just about the by-election, it's home, and I really want to represent the people that I've grown up with'.
