In September 2024, Labour MP Josh Simons promised change and integrity in the Commons. But now, 17 months later, Keir Starmer is caught in a scandal that has forced two senior No 10 resignations and threatens his leadership. Simons, a Cabinet Office minister and close Starmer ally, is also under scrutiny for allegedly commissioning a report on journalists investigating Labour Together’s funding. Simons denies targeting reporters and says he only wanted to check a possible illegal hack. Makerfield, Greater Manchester, has been a Labour stronghold for over 100 years. Simons won the seat by 5,399 votes in 2024, but voters are unhappy. Clare Winterburn, serving pasties locally, said, “We voted Labour and we shouldn’t have” and blasted Starmer for indecision and U-turns. She called for Reform, saying, “We’ve tried all the others and they’ve all been crap.” Makerfield is seeing change with a £6.6 million Conservative-funded scheme to revamp Ashton-in-Makerfield’s high street. Nearby villages will also get £20 million from Labour’s “pride in place” plan. But business owners say disruptions hurt sales and accuse the Labour-led Wigan council of ignoring them. One shopkeeper described their dealings with the council as rude and dismissive. At The Cupcakery, co-owner Fran reported losing at least £3,000 due to scaffolding blocking her shop last summer. She chooses not to vote, calling politicians “a joke” and “liars,” a view shared by many local women. Labour’s voter share in Makerfield has dropped by 23 points since 2001, while Conservative support surged after Brexit—65% of the area voted to leave the EU. Reform UK came close to winning here, finishing just behind Labour. David Baxter from a local charity praised Simons for staying connected to the community but said many feel politicians are out of touch nationwide. The growing support for Reform UK in upcoming local elections worries local groups. Builder Carl Pilling said Starmer “needs to go” and called things a “shambles.” Young local Callum Freeman said he didn’t vote in 2024 but fears Reform’s rise. “Why can’t it be about making the country better?” he asked.