In a shocking twist that will surely surprise absolutely no one who has ever used the internet, a majority of voters in Makerfield say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who has posted offensive content on social media. The polling, conducted by Survation for campaign group 38 Degrees, surveyed 518 voters in the constituency and found that 55% would be put off by a politician's past online transgressions. Meanwhile, 31% claimed such posts wouldn't influence their vote, and 14% just shrugged and said they didn't know.
This comes as Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon faces criticism for past online gems, including calling himself "sexist," referring to gay people as "poofs," and suggesting women have abortions so they can "shag anyone they want." Broadcaster Caroline Vorderman has called for him to apologize over his "disgusting comments" about her. Kenyon is running in the by-election on June 18, where Labour's Andy Burnham is trying to retain the seat after sitting MP Josh Simons stepped aside.
But the poll wasn't just about candidate decorum - it also revealed that Makerfield voters have strong opinions on policy. Nearly three-quarters want water companies renationalized (because nothing says "efficiency" like the government running things, apparently), while only 13% think private ownership is the way to go. A solid 54% support a new "wealth tax" on assets over £10 million to fund the NHS, schools, and other public services, with 28% opposed - presumably those with assets over £10 million.
Just over half of those surveyed want a cap on political donations, while 38% think billionaires should be free to buy elections as they please. The Employment Rights Act also got a look-in: 72% want to keep the minimum wage tied to the cost of living, 67% support paid bereavement leave after pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, and 57% want sick pay from day one. But on banning "fire-and-rehire," opinion was split nearly down the middle - 47% for keeping the ban, 42% against.
Veronica Hawking, campaigns director at 38 Degrees, summed it up: "Makerfield is a microcosm for how many voters across the country are feeling right now. They are crying out for change and back big, bold moves." So, basically, voters want clean candidates, clean water, and a cleaner tax system - not too much to ask, surely.