Feeling forgotten and overlooked, could a small town's deep-seated disillusionment pave the way for a political shake-up? That's the burning question in Denton, a community where the vibrant turquoise of Reform UK posters has become a ubiquitous sight, signaling a fierce battleground for an upcoming byelection.
As you drive through Denton, the signs are unmistakable. Reform UK's distinctive turquoise banners are everywhere – adorning windows, plastered on walls, and proudly staked in front gardens. This visual surge of support is all in anticipation of the 26th February byelection, a date circled on the calendar for many residents.
Ian Singleton, a lifelong resident who has lived in Denton for nearly three decades, has witnessed firsthand the town's transformation. He remembers a time when the high street buzzed with activity, but now, he laments, it's a landscape dominated by an increasing number of hairdressers, nail salons, takeaways, and barbers. "You've only got two pubs," he notes, a stark contrast to the vibrant social hubs of yesteryear. He believes that government policies, coupled with actions from some within the Conservative party, have stifled local businesses and, in his words, "killed the pubs."
His wife, Irene, echoes his concerns, highlighting the soaring cost of living. "Everything's just gone so expensive as well, hasn't it?" she exclaims. The economic pinch extends to their children, who, despite being in their late thirties and early forties, find it "virtually impossible to buy a house," forcing them into the rental market.
Beyond the economic woes, Ian also feels a pang of concern for England's national identity. He observes, "You look at the Welsh, you know when they're Welsh. Them flags and them dragons are flying high." This perceived lack of visible national pride in England strikes a chord with him.
But here's where it gets controversial... Ian's embrace of Reform UK is tinged with a personal conflict. While he was once a "staunch Labour supporter," he feels the party has "turned its back" on working people. However, he admits to being uncomfortable with some of the sentiments associated with the St George's flags appearing around town, confessing, "I think sometimes people who use it are racists, and are anti-foreign people."
This internal struggle is mirrored by another Denton resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. Driven by economic concerns, he's also displaying a Reform UK poster. Yet, he's been warned by a relative to "put it at the back, in the bush, because if people see it they're going to think you're a bigot or a racist." He candidly admits, "To be very honest with you, hand on heart, there's a lot of Reform's policies that I'm not happy with," citing environmental policies and the idea of sending back people who are legally contributing to society. He concludes, "I've had to sacrifice some of my beliefs, I think, to support Reform."
And this is the part most people miss... The Green candidate, Hannah Spencer, challenges the notion that Reform UK has a guaranteed victory. She argues that no party has a sure thing and criticizes Reform's assumption that a white working-class community would automatically vote for them. She believes that pockets of Reform support exist in areas like Levenshulme, Manchester, too, where rapid gentrification has pushed some residents towards the party. Online discussions reveal a stark divide, with some residents expressing frustration over perceived "weirdo Chorlton wannabes" and championing Reform UK as a return to "proper people."
In a local pub in Levenshulme, the sentiment is palpable. One drinker states, "I'm voting for Farage, because we need a change, don't we?" Another agrees, noting that "a lot of people I speak to are voting the same," and expresses disdain for the "liberal lefties" they associate with the Green party.
However, Professor Robert Ford, a political science expert at the University of Manchester, points out the logistical hurdles Reform UK faces in mobilizing these supporters. He suggests their path to victory might lie in a divided vote, where a split between Labour and the Greens could allow Reform to win without securing an overall majority. Yet, he cautions, "Anyone who tells you what's going to happen... is either a fool or a fanatic. There really is no way of knowing."
Despite the uncertainties, Ian Singleton remains hopeful, viewing Reform UK's candidate, Matt Goodwin, as a potential champion for the working person, someone who "can be the voice of the working person." His final sentiment is one of desperation: "Let's put it this way; I don't think they can do any worse, I really don't."
What do you think? Is the rise of Reform UK in Denton a sign of genuine political change, or a symptom of deeper societal frustrations? Are residents making difficult compromises to express their discontent, or is this a clear mandate for a new direction? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
