The town that always votes Labour, but is split on what should be Labour

Since the constituency was first created in 1950, Huyton has always voted Labour.

The area was famously represented by two-term former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who served as the local MP for 33 years before the constituency was dissolved in 1983. Wilson contested 10 elections and finished with over 50 % of votes in each electoral bar. the first.

To commemorate his service, there is a statue of him at the top of Huyton village which can cast quite a long shadow when the sun begins to set. As today, Mr Wilson’s tenure was set against a backdrop of division, questions about Europe and public uncertainty in their political representatives.

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This tumult was reflected in the elections of the 1960s and 1970s, with Harold Wilson becoming prime minister in each of those two decades – only after very narrow election results, including a hung parliament in 1974. Although pollsters are predicting a more clear in the 2024 general. Elections, divisive issues, Europe and public confidence are as pronounced as ever.

All indicators point to Labor retaining the MP seat for Knowsley, but for the first time in 14 years, that member will not be George Howarth. Mr Howarth announced his retirement from politics earlier this year and the local Labor Party has now chosen Anneliese Midgley as their new parliamentary candidate.

If elected, Ms Midgley will be tasked with representing a constituency that has struggled under Tory rule. It includes some of the most deprived areas in the country and there is a feeling among some residents that they have been punished because of their historical support for Labour. They also hope a Labor government will provide the much-needed investment to improve conditions for everyone in the area.

Alec and Norma are two people who express exactly this point of view. They came to the village to shop and enjoy the sun, but are happy to have their say on the upcoming general election.

Alec describes a sense of frustration with central government and the “very real impact” they have at local level. He refers to Knowsley Council’s recent council tax hike, which he said was entirely due to a funding shortfall from the government. “Knowsley Council receives the least amount of money from the Tory Government despite being one of the most deprived boroughs in the whole country.

“The Prime Minister said it himself … redrafted it to make sure Tory areas get more money.”

Alec believes the funding cuts can have a profound impact on the local community and points to the closure of centres, libraries and leisure facilities such as swimming pools. He said: “The Tories are doing this deliberately.

“Nothing works in this country anymore and when I’m abroad I’m almost ashamed to say I’m British now. Other countries pride themselves on their railways, their hospitals, their schools. It seems this government wants to make them worse .”

Although Alec has respect for Keir Starmer, he is skeptical about the impact he can have because the Tories have let “everything fall to pieces”. However, Alec also wanted to convey a positive message to the younger generations. He said, “Never give up hope.

“I’m 83 years old and I know things can be better because I’ve seen them with my own eyes.”

Ted moved to Huyton about 30 years ago and said he was following the election race with great interest. He hopes for a landslide victory for Labour, but hopes the backbenchers will be active in trying to move the party further to the left.

For Ted, this election isn’t about one or two things, it’s about “everything” and he’d like to see a serious discussion about what he says is the real issue affecting people’s lives. He said: “Things need to be addressed and policies should reflect the real issues.

“If the ‘boats’ stop tomorrow, does that mean we have more doctors, more dentists and a fixed NHS? Does this mean we will get a real living wage? Does this mean food banks will become obsolete?

“Or ‘stop the boats’ is just another distraction narrative – like the ‘woke agenda’ – so that no one thinks about the realities people face – whether they are mortgage holders or people on benefits of social assistance”.

In this regard, Ted would like to see Keir Starmer be a little more bold and start to define himself as a leader who recognizes the everyday concerns of the people. Asked what kind of policy he would like to see Mr Starmer adopt, Ted said: “I want him to focus more on things that can be done and that directly help people.

“Something like passing a policy that would end no-fault evictions. It’s a policy that costs nothing, but would help so many people and bring security back to those living in fear and uncertainty.”

Insecurity is a theme that comes up several times as we talk to people in the village, including concerns about housing, jobs and public services. There is also the immediate and very real concern of financial uncertainty.

Steven has lived in Huyton all his life and it is very clear what his priority is at this general election. He said: “It is the cost of living crisis.

“Bills and costs are going through the roof and there’s no sign of it stopping.”

Steven has been keeping up with the election race and says he has always voted Labour, but doesn’t feel he can vote for them this time. Asked why, Steven said Labor did not seem to represent working class people in Huyton. He added: “None of them seem to understand what we’re going through. They all seem the same to me.”

The sense that each of the political parties is too similar to be differentiated is also a common complaint.

Michael Kelly is a lifelong resident of Huyton, enjoying his retirement and describes himself as a contented man. Michael believes a lot has improved in the area and believes there has been a significant decrease in anti-social behavior and crime. Michael said he wants to see more investment in public services and funds to improve the lives of young people.

However, Michael is less than impressed by what he has seen from leaders of all parties and said they seem to focus more on personal attacks than policy. He said: “They all seem to be fighting each other and trying to knock each other off the bars. None of this will help the country.”

There is also a very hopeful outlook and a strong belief in the power of people and the bonds they share; especially when it comes to the determination and unity of the people who live in Huyton.

Hayley Bates works in the village’s Hays Travel agent and describes Huyton as having a very strong sense of community. She said: “The people are nice and I love living here.

“I can’t say I follow politics too closely, but I care a lot about my community. I would describe myself as a hopeful person, and there are some positive things going on here, but it’s impossible not to notice some of the negative things going on.”

Hayley describes stories of NHS waiting times and people waiting on trolleys in hospital corridors as “absolutely shocking and it has to stop”. She also saw the strain of things locally. Hayley added: “People fought back.

“I have a family and I’m raising my children here and it’s sad that the libraries have closed and the Christmas events – the family events – have stopped in recent years. It all comes down to money, so I hope the neighborhood gets more in the future, because it’s sorely needed. .”

“I can’t say I follow politics too closely, but I care a lot about my community. I would describe myself as a hopeful person, and there are some positive things going on here, but it’s impossible not to notice some of the negative things going on.”

Hayley describes stories of NHS waiting times and people waiting on trolleys in hospital corridors as “absolutely shocking and it has to stop”. She also saw the strain of things locally. Hayley added: “People fought back.

“I have a family and I’m raising my children here and it’s sad that the libraries have closed and the Christmas events – the family events – have stopped in recent years. It all comes down to money, so I hope the neighborhood gets more in the future, because it’s sorely needed. .”

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