Residents Clive and Carol are not keen on the Prime Minister (Image: Adam Toms/Express)

Roland Slaney, 71, a former miner and mechanics electrician said of the Government: “They say one thing and do the other thing.” He added: “Labour has done us no favours.” “Back in the 50s and 60s, it was a different kettle of fish. They promise you the world.” Everything is “extortionate”, Mr Slaney added. “You’re paying more and get less.”

He too does not like the level of migration seen in recent years. Mr Slaney said: “There’s too many foreigners coming in. They put nothing in and they’re taking everything out.” He has miner’s pension, he added, which takes him above the income tax personal allowance threshold of £12,500. He has unsuccessfully tried to get pension credit.

A statue of Robert Peel stands in Tamworth (Image: Adam Toms/Express)

Long-term partner Carol Onion, 71, said: “I don’t think he’s brainy enough.” She added that Rachel Reeves’s National Living Wage and employer National Insurance increases have “finished everybody, really”. Voters won’t forgive, she thinks.

Celina Marshall, 44, a grade four chef, said: “Labour needs to do one. The reason I don’t vote for Labour is they always sting the people who work hard and old age pensioners. People work so hard to get where they are. If I did vote, I’d vote for Nigel Farage. They don’t stick to their word. Everything is up.”

But she added regarding Mr Burnham: “I like him. If he sticks to his word. There are people out there struggling. Me and my husband live just above water. I ask for them to keep their promises. If something changes and everybody notices, this country would be a better place.”

Sat behind the counter at Tamworth’s Toolbox was Ruth Morton, 57, whose brother owns the store. She said: “It’s always been a Labour town, Tamworth.” She thinks the chances of the party reclaiming the area are “50/50”, but added she is not sure. “I don’t really vote, to be fair,” Ms Morton said. “Don’t talk to me about politics; I’m not bothered.” But when asked if she thinks Mr Burnham is doing a good job, she replied: “Not really, no.” Immigration is a major issue as far as she is concerned. “They’re really letting everybody in,” Ms Morton said. “They get everything; we get bugger all.”

Albert Peel, 84, who believes he is related to the 19th century statesman, used to work in a tool factory. He was sat on a bench in the shadow of Sir Robert. Mr Peel said Mr Burnham is “not very good”. “He’s going to run [the country] from Manchester,” the pensioner added. “What good is that?” Mr Peel was thinking thought about voting for Reform, as the party “said they were going to get rid of the boats”. But he has settled on voting for Kemi Badenoch’s Tories. On the Prime Minister, he added: “Look at him now, taking all our pension off us.” He was also worried about the impact of the Government’s fiscal policies on his beloved bingo hall. Sector bosses have warned against a rise of gambling taxes in the Budget, which will be unveiled by the Chancellor, John Healey, on Wednesday.

Ellen Taylor, 69, a retired sewing machinist, said: ” As long as I keep getting my pension.” She added: “He seems to be looking after Manchester, doesn’t he?” Jayne Hilton, 64, who has also applied her trade as a sewing machinist, feels the region is being “neglected”. She added of the Prime Minister’s overall conduct: “He wants to be one of us, doesn’t he?” Another woman, who gave her name as Val, 82, before walking off to carry on with her day, said: “We’ve got to wait and see what he does. He’s a bit too normal.” She added that he seems to be trying too much.

Roland Slaney is not happy with Labour’s policies (Image: Adam Toms/Express)

However, Glen Nicholson, 64, a retired engineer who built mortuaries in hospitals, says Britons should stick with Labour’s man. He said he wanted to vote Reform at one time “on immigration issues”, but now he thinks there is “no alternative to Burnham at the minute”. “His principles and ideals are for the common person,” Mr Nicholson added. “I think he’s the one.

“He does seem to be listening; he’s not just talking to people. We’ve got to give him time. It’s like a big oil tanker it needs a couple of miles to turn around. We’ve got to give him time.” He then accused the Conservatives of “Thatcherism”.

“We need proper manufacturing bases in this country,” Mr Nicholson added. “We’ve lost our identity as a country. We’ve lost who we are. You can’t put a Union Jack up. What are we working for?”

A woman working in a cafe said simply “he’s alright” before saying she was too busy to speak more.

Voters in Town Andy Burnham Desperately Needs to Win Over Are Fuming at ‘Labour Lies’

Andy Burnham is facing a difficult challenge as Labour attempts to rebuild trust among voters who feel increasingly frustrated with the party’s promises, its handling of the economy and its approach to immigration.

In towns across England’s so-called Red Wall, Labour’s traditional support can no longer be taken for granted. Many voters who backed the party in the past have become disillusioned, with some turning to Reform UK in the hope of seeing a different approach to politics.

The anger is particularly significant in communities where people believe successive governments have failed to address everyday problems, from rising living costs and struggling public services to housing, immigration and deteriorating local infrastructure.

For Burnham, winning back these voters means more than delivering speeches or announcing new policies. He must convince people that his government understands their concerns and can produce tangible improvements.

Recent reporting from Barnsley and other Labour heartland communities illustrates the scale of the challenge. Residents have expressed frustration with national politics, concerns about immigration and dissatisfaction with Labour, even where some local initiatives have received positive reactions. <Cite refs={[“turn681157search2″,”turn681157search4”]}/>

Why Labour is struggling to regain trust

For decades, Labour enjoyed strong support in many industrial towns across northern England. Its historical links with trade unions, manufacturing communities and working-class voters helped establish a political relationship that often survived changes in national leadership.

That relationship has weakened in recent years.

Some voters believe Labour has become too distant from the communities it once represented. Others are frustrated by what they see as a gap between election promises and the policies ultimately delivered.

The phrase “Labour lies” reflects that anger, but it should be understood as an accusation made by dissatisfied voters rather than proof that every criticism of the party is justified.

For these residents, the issue is often whether politicians have delivered on commitments concerning household finances, public services, employment and immigration.

People struggling with higher bills may be less interested in Westminster political disputes than in whether they can afford their weekly shopping, heat their homes and pay their rent or mortgage.

Similarly, residents concerned about local services want to know whether hospitals, schools, roads and public transport will improve.

When voters feel that these practical concerns are repeatedly overlooked, political promises can lose their credibility.

Burnham’s challenge is to show that his government is prepared to address those issues with clear policies and measurable results.

The pressure from Reform UK

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has sought to capitalise on dissatisfaction with the established parties.

The party’s message focuses heavily on immigration, national sovereignty, public spending and the argument that Britain needs a different political direction.

For some former Labour voters, Reform has become a way to register dissatisfaction with the government rather than simply an expression of support for every policy the party proposes.

Reporting from Barnsley in August described voters who had switched from Labour to Reform because of concerns about immigration and frustration with national politics. One lifelong Labour supporter interviewed by The Guardian said immigration had influenced his decision, while another former Labour voter said she remained satisfied with having backed Reform in the local elections. <Cite refs={[“turn681157search2”]}/>

These accounts demonstrate that Labour’s difficulties cannot be reduced to one issue.

Immigration matters to some voters, while others focus on living costs, local services, housing or a general sense that politicians do not understand their circumstances.

Reform’s challenge to Labour is therefore both political and practical. The party is attempting to persuade voters that it offers a credible alternative on the issues they consider most important.

Burnham, meanwhile, must demonstrate that Labour can respond to public dissatisfaction without making promises that prove impossible to fulfil.

Immigration remains a sensitive issue

Immigration is one of the most divisive subjects facing the government.

Many residents want stronger action against unauthorised Channel crossings, faster decisions on asylum applications and the return of people who have no legal right to remain in the UK.

Others emphasise the country’s humanitarian obligations and the contribution migrants make to important sectors of the economy.

The government’s task is to enforce immigration law, manage asylum claims efficiently and explain how its policies will work in practice.

For voters who believe the authorities have lost control of the system, broad promises of reform may not be enough. They want clear information about border enforcement, accommodation costs, legal routes and the time taken to resolve claims.

Burnham’s recent comments about Britain’s future relationship with the European Union have added another dimension to the debate.

His willingness to discuss closer ties with Brussels, including the possibility of revisiting freedom of movement in the longer term, has attracted criticism from Brexit supporters. Burnham has not announced an immediate plan to restore freedom of movement, and the government has stressed that its existing commitments remain in place.

Nevertheless, critics argue that the Prime Minister must explain how any future European agreement would affect immigration controls.

For voters who supported Brexit partly because they wanted greater national control over immigration, clarity on this issue will be particularly important.

The cost of living is another major concern

Immigration is not the only issue shaping attitudes towards Labour.

Economic pressures remain a central concern for households across Britain. Rent, mortgage payments, energy bills, food prices and transport costs can all influence how people judge a government’s performance.

Even when inflation slows, families may continue to feel worse off because prices remain higher than they were several years earlier.

Workers who have received pay rises may still feel that their income has not kept pace with the cumulative increase in living costs. Pensioners and people on fixed incomes can face particular difficulties when essential expenses rise.

For these households, political announcements must translate into meaningful changes.

If the government promises to improve living standards, voters will want to know whether its policies will increase disposable income, reduce essential costs or improve access to services.

Tax policy is another source of concern. Households may welcome additional public investment but remain reluctant to pay more in tax, particularly if they believe their own finances are already under pressure.

Burnham therefore faces difficult choices about public spending, taxation and the pace of economic reform.

Any plan will need to explain how it is funded, who benefits and what trade-offs may be required.

Public services and local communities

Local services can have a direct effect on whether voters feel their town is improving or declining.

Poor road conditions, limited public transport, difficulties accessing healthcare and a shortage of affordable housing can contribute to a sense that communities have been neglected.

Some local authorities have introduced initiatives designed to make services more accessible. In Barnsley, for example, reporting has highlighted efforts to bring health services into town centres and provide free bus travel for younger residents. However, the same reporting found that positive views of local initiatives did not necessarily prevent voters from expressing dissatisfaction with Labour nationally. <Cite refs={[“turn681157search2”]}/>

This distinction is important for Burnham.

A government can announce popular local programmes yet still struggle to regain public trust if voters remain dissatisfied with the broader direction of the country.

People may appreciate improvements to a particular service while continuing to worry about immigration, the economy or the reliability of political promises.

To rebuild confidence, Labour will need to show that its policies work together as part of a coherent plan rather than a collection of isolated announcements.

Can Burnham persuade former Labour voters?

Burnham has attempted to distinguish his leadership from the period before he became Prime Minister, presenting himself as more closely connected to ordinary people’s experiences.

Some voters have responded positively to his personal style. A focus group of former Labour voters reported by The Guardian in October described Burnham as more relatable and gave him a more favourable reception than his predecessor. However, participants also expressed concerns about specific proposals, particularly changes to the state pension triple lock and the possible costs of funding social care. <Cite refs={[“turn681157search0”]}/>

The findings illustrate the difference between liking a political leader and supporting the policies that leader proposes.

Voters may appreciate a leader’s communication style but still demand detailed explanations about taxes, pensions, immigration and public spending.

That places pressure on Burnham to move beyond general promises and explain how his decisions will affect different groups.

Pensioners, working families, younger people seeking housing and businesses concerned about costs may all have different priorities. A policy that benefits one group may create concerns for another, especially when public finances are tight.

The government will need to acknowledge those trade-offs rather than suggesting that every problem can be solved without difficult decisions.

The meaning of the ‘Labour lies’ accusation

When residents describe political promises as lies, the accusation usually reflects a breakdown in trust. It can arise when people believe a commitment has been abandoned, a policy has failed to deliver the expected result or politicians have not explained a change in direction.

However, each claim needs to be assessed against the specific promise, the evidence and the government’s actual actions.

A broken promise, a disputed interpretation of a policy and a demonstrably false statement are not necessarily the same thing.

For Labour, the practical response should be to explain what was promised, what has been delivered and what remains outstanding.

If the government has changed its position, it should explain why. If a policy has encountered obstacles, voters deserve an honest account of those difficulties and a realistic timetable for progress.

Trying to dismiss all criticism as political opposition would risk deepening frustration among residents who already feel ignored.

At the same time, allegations should not be accepted as established fact simply because they are repeated during a heated political debate.

Clear evidence and transparent communication are essential if the government wants to restore confidence.

A crucial test for Labour

The political challenge facing Burnham is to demonstrate that Labour can regain trust in communities where traditional party loyalties have weakened.

Reform UK is competing for voters who want stronger immigration controls, a different economic approach or a break from established political leadership. Labour must explain what it offers on those issues while acknowledging the concerns that have led some of its former supporters to look elsewhere.

That means focusing on practical results: better access to healthcare, more affordable housing, improved transport, stronger employment opportunities and credible plans for managing immigration.

It also means being realistic about what the government can achieve and how quickly improvements can be delivered.

The latest accounts from Labour heartland communities suggest that some voters remain open to Burnham, while others are still deeply sceptical about the party. His personal appeal may create an opportunity to be heard, but it does not guarantee support for his policies.

Ultimately, rebuilding trust will require more than rhetoric. Voters will judge the government by whether their everyday circumstances improve and whether political leaders are willing to explain difficult decisions honestly.

For Burnham, the message from dissatisfied communities is clear: promises alone are not enough. If Labour wants to regain the confidence of voters who feel let down, it must demonstrate that its commitments are being translated into results that people can see in their own lives.

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