Most Makerfield voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate who has posted offensive content

The majority of voters in Makerfield say they are less likely to vote for a political candidate who has posted offensive content on their social media accounts. 

According to a survey by Survation for 38 Degrees, 55% of voters said that posting offensive content would affect their opinion of a candidate. 

Meanwhile, 31% of respondents said this wouldn’t be a factor in deciding how they vote.

The findings come amid scrutiny of social media posts shared by Reform UK’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, Robert Kenyon.

Kenyon has been found to have shared a series of misogynistic posts and comments supporting far-right figures on social media.

The survey findings suggest that Kenyon’s offensive social media content may impact his electoral chances on 18 June. 

The latest Survation poll of voting intentions in the by-election puts support for Labour’s Andy Burnham at 49%, and Reform on 39%, followed by Restore Britain on 8%, and the Greens on 2%. 

The Conservatives and Lib Dems polled on just 1%. 

Voters also expressed support for keeping measures in the Employment Rights Act, with 72% stating that they want the minimum wage to continue to be set at a level that covers the cost-of-living.

Two-thirds of voters (67%) said they would keep the right to paid bereavement leave after pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, and 57% said they supported day-one sick pay.

These are measures that Reform has said it would get rid of by scrapping the Employment Rights Act if they win a general election.

Just over half of Makerfield residents (51%) said there should be a cap on the maximum amount an individual can donate to a political party or politician. 

Meanwhile, 38% said individuals should be free to donate as much as they choose.

The majority of local voters (54%) also said they support introducing a tax on wealth over £10 million to fund the NHS, schools and other public services, while 28% said a new wealth tax would be “harmful”. 

In regards to public ownership of utilities, a policy which Burnham said he would want to roll out if he becomes prime minister, 73% of Makerfield residents said water companies should be returned to public ownership.

Veronica Hawking, Campaigns Director at 38 Degrees, said: “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 to make our country fairer, build better public services, and ease the cost of living for us all. 

“Returning water companies to public ownership, introducing a wealth tax to fund public services and capping political donations are all policies a majority of voters here support. With all eyes on this by-election, politicians of all parties, and in both Makerfield and beyond should take note, and be ready to fight fearlessly for change like this.” 

Damian Lyons Lowe, Chief Executive at Survation, said: “Voters in Makerfield hold strong views on economic fairness and accountability, and those views cut across traditional party lines. The breadth of support for water renationalisation, a wealth tax and donation caps indicates that these are not fringe positions but mainstream concerns.”

Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward