Cost of living and high streets among top priorities for Makerfield voters, poll shows

Key points

• Voters in Makerfield rank the cost of living, declining high streets and public services as among the most important issues locally, with many also disillusioned by the political system and distrustful of politicians, according to new research.
• The findings come from a focus group, shared exclusively with the Guardian, which was commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners.
• The fieldwork took place roughly two weeks ahead of the byelection on 18 June, when the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK.
• It polled 112 Makerfield residents, who were asked six open-ended questions, which included their views on areas and changes they wanted prioritised, whether politicians should be bold or cautious, as well as what their message would be to their new MP.
• More than a third of people, across every party, age and gender, spontaneously brought up the cost...