Open Letter to Wigan & Leigh Green Party Regarding the Threat of Reform UK
17th of May 2026Â
We, the undersigned Green Party members, voters and supporters, are asking the party to approach the upcoming Makerfield by-election with particular caution, pragmatism and flexibility.
Reform UK now represents a serious force within British politics. In that context, we are concerned that splitting the left-of-centre vote in Makerfield risks handing Reform a significant political victory, strengthening their momentum and paving the way for a far-right government in 2029.
Andy Burnham is not a Green politician, and many of us disagree with both him and the Labour Party on a range of issues, including democratic reform and proportional representation. However, we nevertheless believe the growing electoral strength of Reform UK requires serious strategic reflection about the consequences of continued fragmentation of the left-of-centre vote.
Many Greens will continue to have serious disagreements with Burnham, including on democratic reform and proportional representation. However, we believe the immediate priority must be preventing the continued normalisation and electoral advance of a far-right movement that poses a serious threat to migrants, minorities, trade unions, democratic institutions and the social fabric of this country.
Keep Reform out.
Signed: