A key questionnaire was sent to all 14 Makerfield By-Election candidates asking their solutions to the cost-of-living crisis.
It has resulted in the leading candidates playing a very tactical game, as this article explains.
By Anthony Webber, Independent Political Commentator
There are actually three by-elections taking place on Thursday 18TH June 2026:
Makerfield, in England, and Aberdeen South, and Arbroath and Broughty in Scotland.
The media generally have focused on just Makerfield which is a shame.
They could have stirred up interest in the other two which the SNP currently hold, if they had wanted to.
A sense that the Makerfield by-election is different
There is this sense that this by-election is different. An atmosphere of more than wanting just to “change.”
A mood to send a clear message to those run the country that they are not trusted at all.
Although the cost-of-living issue is directly related to the lack of trust, and indeed other key issues, it is likely voters will vote for a more definite “change.”
What that “change” means is different to different people.
To those voting for Andy Burnham, change means the prospect of a different leadership of the country.
So voting for him is sending a clear message for those people.
For those voting for the “popularist” parties change means the prospect of an end to everything which they feel is wrong with the country.
That is everything from mass immigration, two tier policing, political correctness, and a host of other issues.
Large sections of the population are totally fed up and have lost faith in their elected politicians.
This has been shown by protests and riots in different parts of the country.
Makerfield electors are affected by this general mood of dissatisfaction.
In this context, it seems that other candidates other than the top three, will not have much of a chance.
The mainstream media have portrayed this by-election as a battle between Andy Burnham and his nearest rival.
This might have backfired on them in that the electors may focus on their own version of “change.”
In some respects, this is a shame, because some of the other candidates have some positive policies to offer.
(There is more information on the candidates’ feedback later in this article).
We need electoral reform
One thing this by-election does though is to add weight to the campaign to have an improved electoral system.
In this case, would not the electors be more engaged if they could vote for the candidates in order of preference?
This is the AV ( Alternative Voting) system.
The winning candidate would be the one who achieved over 50% of the votes after preferences were considered.
This is a lot better than all these tactical voting efforts which currently take place with the First Past The Post system.
These can be especially divisive as they put one “side” against another.
A fairer election system ensures that all candidates are treated equally and that each vote actually counts.
Lack of openness and transparency
It is disappointing that several candidates, including mainstream ones, decided not to respond to this questionnaire, and thus were not open and transparent with their views.
This included the two “populist” parties, Reform UK and Restore Britain, who according to recent polls, are in the top three positions with Labour.
As someone who has done election questionnaires before, it never ceases to amaze me that any candidate, whether Independent or party, can deem that they don’t have to provide their views on key issues for the electorate. If they are like that before they are elected, how accountable are they going to be if elected?
It is outrageous that candidates can get away with this behaviour.
However, they can do so if the mainstream media does not want certain issues raised.
The media has presented this election as a choice between:
An experienced capable politician who could change the direction of the Labour party
Or
An inexperienced politician/s who are still learning.
Many electors are simply going to switch off from what the media says and vote with their gut instinct.
They have seen the media bias in action.
One key aspect of this with this by-election has been the “Question Time” programme when only five of the fourteen candidates were invited to appear.
Another was the BBC North West by -election programme, when these very same five candidates were exclusively invited.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx21xr0kjd2t
Hardly fair and equal treatment of the candidates!
Manchester Evening News repeated the unfairness, when only five of the candidates appeared on their hustings meeting.
They maintained they had tried to get the Restore Britain candidate, so it would be interesting to know the truth on that.
In contrast, with this article, all candidates received requests to respond to the questionnaire.
Several reminders were given and there was even an extension of time given on request.
There was no excuse for any candidate to not respond at all, let alone not to answer the questions.
It really does not take much time, especially when I specifically stated that any response was better than no response.
If any candidate wants to blame their election manager or PR department, they cannot, because ultimately, they must take full responsibility.
Labour playing a clever game
As stated, Labour have responded, yet their two closest rivals have not done so.
Reform UK said they would respond but went way over the deadline and never did.
In a closely fought campaign, not responding on the key issue of solutions to the cost of living is just inexplicable.
Not responding lets the voters down as well as your hard-working supporters too.
It is utter madness too, when one recent by-election was won by just six votes.
With both Reform UK and Restore Britain, it seemed that they did not want to risk laying themselves open to potential media criticism.
This is despite my own personal record of being independent and fair.
I have had many supporters from both parties saying they looked forward to their candidates’ responses.
I just hope both of them learn from this.
Yes, it is important to focus on canvassing.
Yes, it is “ideal” to select which media to respond to, but when you are fighting an election you cannot leave any stone unturned.
Social media is also important, and many of Rupert Lowe’s supporters believe that their growth has been mainly due to Social Media.
It follows that the results of this questionnaire will end up on social media too.
Cost of living (including energy price rises) causes and solutions
How do candidates deal with uncomfortable questions on the costs of living?
How, when the main reason for the rises in the cost of living ( including energy price rises) are:
The UK sanctioning Russia during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine
The Iran/USA/Israel war and the UK taking sides.
Some candidates do not want to accept this. There are other factors such as net zero policies, but these are not the main ones.
It is known that the three main parties, Labour, Conservative and Libdems, support the current high level of billions of expenditures on Ukraine.
They also want to maintain sanctions- thus limiting their ability to curb the cost of living.
Andy Burnham has not answered these questions ( he has just submitted a general election statement in response) so there is no indication that he disagrees with Labour policies on that issue.
As for the Iran situation, there is no indication from Andy Burnham that he disagrees with government policy.
That means the de facto nonneutral position of the government works against the interests of UK citizens, as UK energy prices remain high.
Labour’s campaign seems to be based on hope, ( “Vote Andy. Vote Hope.”) But will it be one of reality?
In respect of Labour’s rivals, Reform UK simply offers a hope that Ukraine and Iran policies will be less excessive.
In the case of Restore Britain, the Ukraine and Iran policies are a definite change.
Restore Britain supporters believe that Reform UK has become too establishment orientated, especially since certain former key Tories were recruited.
They believe their influence is damaging to the credibility of Reform UK and this is an opinion shared by many Reform UK supporters themselves.
Reform UK won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election on May 1st 2025, the same day as local and other elections, and were on the crest of a wave.
On 12th January 2026 Nadhim Zahawi, former UK Tory Vaccines Minister, joined Reform UK.
He was followed on 15th January 2026 by former Home Office Conservative Ministers Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, amongst others.
At the local elections held on 7th May 2026, Reform UK did well but their percentage share of the vote slipped down 2% to 28%
Reform UK has the task of proving their detractors wrong, and that they are the only realistic means of obtaining political power.
After this election, there will need to be some political re-thinking and a means of resolving this toxic situation between them.
If Reform UK slip and Restore Britain do better than expected, then it will be a political earthquake.
It is not impossible, as in the birthplace of Restore Britain, their backed candidates for Great Borough Council and Norfolk County Council easily beat all opposition candidates, including Reform UK.
With this questionnaire, it is important to recognize the positive responses by Dan Clarke of the Libertarian party, Ed Gemmell of the Climate party, and Paul Gold, Independent.
They are examples of how candidates should respond to surveys, and of being open and transparent.
If everyone responded without fear or favour, the public would be very well informed. These three individuals had some good ideas too.
All these are in the candidates’ responses, later in the article.
In summary, at least a few of the candidates offer realistic solutions to the cost-of-living crisis.
The elector must pick the most believable one who can deliver on all issues, not just the cost-of-living crisis.
The turnout will be interesting.
At the General Election it was 52.5% in Makerfield.
At Runcorn and Helbsy it was 46.2%,12.5% down on the General Election, which was won by Reform UK’S Sarah Pochin.
AT Gorton and Denton it was 47.6%, down just 0.4% on the General Election, which was won by the Green’s Hannah Spencer.
Reform UK’s vote share was 28.7%, down from the 39% achieved at Runcorn.
Will the Reform UK vote be influenced by changes in key people at the top of the party and comments made by them?
Certainly, Rupert Lowe had disagreements with Reform UK in March 2025 which culminated in him becoming an Independent MP.
Restore Britain was announced as a political party on 13th February 2026 and became officially operational on 20th March 2026.
Restore Britain maintain that they are “in it to win it,” regarding the Makerfield by-election, and that they will increase the turnout.
Response of national and local media
This cost -of -living initiative was given in advance to local and national media and one positive result was a local paper asking all 14 candidates cost of living questions:
There is also the BBC ‘s introductions by the candidates themselves, which is an example of the equal and fair treatment which should always be given:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrp1z8n4w2o
General information on candidates:
The website: “Who can I vote for” also gives candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves:
https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/parl.makerfield.by.2026-06-18/
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
This is the questionnaire and the candidates’ answers follow.
Cost of living- Key questions for Makerfied By-Election Candidates:
Dear Candidate
This questionnaire is being sent to all Candidates and all response will be dealt with in a fair and impartial manner.
Any response is better than no response and all responses will be given to local and national media.
Please respond by Sunday 7th June at the latest.
The rise in the cost of living is a major issue in this by-election.
This is caused by:
Mainly by the policies of the present and previous government in sanctioning Russia.
Worsened by the Iran versus Israel/USA war.
Questions:
1.)What would you do to help hard pressed people with the cost-of-living crisis?
Please keep answers as brief as possible. ………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2.)Would you support any tax cuts and/or other means of providing support for citizens suffering from the rises in energy and other costs of living?
If so, please specify………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.)Do you support abolishing business and domestic rates to provide alleviation from the high costs of living?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Iran versus Israel/USA war?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
5.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Russia/Ukraine war?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of the conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6.) Do you believe that the billions given to Ukraine every year should instead be spent on helping British citizens with the the cost-of-living crisis?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
7.) Do you believe that a stop or pause in illegal and legal immigration would save money which could be allocated to helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
8.) Do you have any further points to make?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for your attention to this important questionnaire,
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
07824444604
Candidates Responses:
1.)Jake Austin:
Despite emails with the Libdems press department, no response was given.
The party is fully committed to the government’s Ukraine/Russia policies.
The party also broadly supports the government’s Iran policies.
All these details are on the party’s website.
They have committed to energy financial support for the public.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg49qn38ezo
2.)Count Binface:
No response given
3.) Andy Burnham, Labour and Co-operative Party:
Andy Burnham’s team have submitted this election promotion in response.
There is the emphasis on him being a Co-operative party candidate, even though he is also a Labour party candidate.
This is to stress the Co-operative values which many would argue are different to those of the current Labour government.
It is this subtle difference which some feel will attract Labour and other supporters to vote for him.
It is a theme of listening and working with people, rather than governing without doing so.
However, he appears to be trying to avoid other issues which may damage him electorally.
This questionnaire is one such example.
The prospect of improving the current Labour government is what he offers the voter.
This is outlined in an article in the Labour List:
The voter has to decide if they want this or vote for someone else who will strive for a more fundamental change.
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4.) Dan Clarke, the Libertarian Party:
Q1)
I think the government should seriously consider increasing the income tax fresh hold, the rate in which people start paying income tax. The threshold has been frozen for several years and people are feeling the effects of fiscal drag. If threshold had kept pace with inflation it would be at £15,800. Something we need to look into.
Q2 we should scrap VAT on energy bills, I would also like to see VAT and Fuel duty cut on petrol and diesel, since 48p for every £1 spent at the fuel pump is tax. In part the government is the cause for almost half the cost of fuel.
Q3 I wouldn’t think twice about cutting business rates to help out high street. Scrap business rates for small and medium size businesses on our high street. Let’s bring life back into our high street.
Q4 and Q5 together. Ideally we need to be neutral on all wars except where we have been attacked. More countries that get involved the more innocent people get hurt. We can’t give Ukraine munitions if we don’t have enough to even defend our own country. We should open up free trade with Ukraine rather than aide to help them out.
Q6 we can’t spend Billions of taxpayer’s money on Ukraine when we have a cost of living crisis. As it is our taxes being spent. The money spent could be used for tax cuts for working people.
Q7 stopping illegal immigration would save a lot of money to UK taxpayers. Regards to Legal immigrants they tend to be ‘Net Contributors’ to our economy through work and taxes that they pay. We should have a points-based system, one that is flexible enough to meet the needs of the economy.
Q8 we have become an overtaxed over regulated country. Andy Burnham wants to further increase taxation and regulation . Which will further cripple our country. I want to see Inheritance tax scrapped from our farmers and have taxes cut further for our farmers.
Many thanks
Dan Clarke
Libertarian Party.
5.)John Dyer, Independent:
Anthony,
Thank you very much for your kind ‘not too late’ offer. Unfortunately, I have to refuse again, as stated, my one and only purpose in standing in this by election is to bring Shell’s reactor decommissioning to light.
Having said that, I wish you good luck in your most worthwhile and hopefully revealing endeavour.
John Dyer
6.)Ed Gemmell, The Climate Party:
Hi Anthony
I hope this helps you.
Thank you
Ed
The rise in the cost of living is a major issue in this by-election.
This is caused by:
1.)Mainly the policies of the present and previous government in sanctioning Russia.
2.)Worsened by the Iran versus Israel/USA war.
Questions:
1.)What would you do to help hard pressed people with the cost-of-living crisis?
Please keep answers as brief as possible, although anything lengthier can be added as additional feedback…
To solve the cost-of-living crisis permanently we need sustained high growth in the British economy. We are staring down the barrel of a gun currently with the OBR projecting we will reach 3-6 times our current national debt over the next 50 years and with the lower projection based on an annual productivity growth rate much higher than that we have achieved in all but one year since 2008. We are looking at national bankruptcy if we keep going in the way we are – that will mean a wildly worse cost of living crisis in the next two decades.
British people want to see that their government has a real plan on how to solve this issue long term. There needs to be a clear vision, a clear well articulated clean industrial plan and inspired national leadership that ignores party politics and focusses on getting the job done for Britain.
The ‘Vision’ must be clear – British leadership of the new Clean Industrial Revolution achieved through investing and innovating our way to a net zero economy in 2030 or soon thereafter.
To rapidly grow Britain’s economy we need to focus on one of the World’s massive growth areas – the net zero sector is growing at 15% per annum already for a decade and will be worth $12-14 trillion in 2030, and with AI (growing at 17% – figures according to LSEG) will be nearly 25% of the global economy by 2030. The AI bubble is very likely to burst in the near future and in any case China and USA are dominant on this space. The net zero economy overall has no clear leader – this can be Britain. We need to invest and innovate our way to a net zero economy two decades before the rest of the World and then open up shop selling all our patents and innovations to the rest of the World and growing our economy by up to 30%.
It is only this kind of continuous and high growth that will finally put an end to the cost-of-living crisis for several decades meaning no potholes, fully funded NHS and border controls, a ramp up of defence and jobs in the future for our young people.
2.)Would you support any tax cuts and/or other means of providing support for citizens suffering from the rises in energy and other costs of living?
If so, please specify
We must in all circumstances look after the vulnerable and support should be available to do that. At the same time we must focus on our Vision and our clean industrial plan for growth as this is the only sustained way to create support for everyone.
In relation to tax cuts, or in fact any tax changes including rises, these should only be seen as tools or mechanisms to achieve the Vision. The Vision is rapid sustained clean growth in the UK for 20-25 years. If the path to get there requires tax changes then these need to be clearly communicated to the public as necessary in order to achieve the Vision.
The principle must be to achieve clean high growth for Britain and at the same time to not leave anyone behind.
3.)Do you support abolishing business and domestic rates to provide alleviation from the high costs of living?
( Business rates bring in annually approximately £37.1 billion, and Domestic rates bring in approximately £44.1 billion, in the UK)
As mentioned above these tools should only be used if they are necessary to achieve the Vision which is the only way to permanently defeat the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Additionally it is important to note that as of today it would be impossible to abolish council tax while expecting cash strapped councils to fulfil their obligations including for children and adult social care and road maintenance.
4.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Iran versus Israel/USA war?
( It is difficult to quantify the current level of the UK’s economic, military and diplomatic support for Israel).
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
The UK is effectively neutral in the Iran war. The Iran war has been a costly mistake of the US president and needs to be brought to a close as soon as possible while at the same time ensuring as far as possible that Iran can not achieve a nuclear deterrent.
5.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Russia/Ukraine war?
Absolutely not. We must support Ukraine as much as possible. Should Russia/Putin succeed in this war then it is very likely we will see pressure if not open conflict coming to the rest of Europe. Putin will not be satisfied and will look to annex the Baltics. When he does that Nato will be at war and our own sons and daughters will be coming back in body bags. The very brave Ukrainian soldiers are bleeding and dying for us and if we want to prevent British blood being spilled we must help them as much as possible with financial and military support.
Also in a purely economic sense we need to keep up our support for Ukraine. If we do not and the war goes against Ukraine we will spend 10 times more trying to defend Europe. Investment to help Ukraine is money well spent and makes good economic sense.
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of the conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6.) Do you believe that the billions given to Ukraine every year should instead be spent on helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
(The UK government has so far pledged £21.8 billion to Ukraine, which is approximately £5 billion a year. This does not include the approximate £1billion cost of approximately 264,000 Ukrainian refugees living in the UK. Source- National Audit Office).
A ridiculous suggestion. If we do not support Ukraine and they lose the war we will be faced with a wildly more expensive war in the future with Russia or in the best case a huge increase in defence spending to help our allies defend the border of Europe which in any case defends us. In this case the cost of living crisis will be very much worse
To put it in context the amount of money pledged is only just over 2 months interest payment on our national debt – it is a drop in the ocean and its effect is hugely material, makes good economic sense and means young people from Makerfield and the UK don’t end up dying needlessly.
The refugee support in the UK is exactly how we would like to be treated if we escaped from an invasion of Britain. The Homes for Ukraine system is a shining example of how we should be running asylum in UK – when the war ends and Ukraine is considered safe the Ukrainian refugees will be required to go home.
7.) Do you believe that a stop or pause in illegal and legal immigration would save money which could be allocated to helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
(Latest figures reveal that Asylum Support for illegal immigrants costs the UK taxpayer £4.7- £5billion a year).
We need to grow the British economy rapidly by leading the new Clean Industrial Revolution in order to allow there to be funds available to invest in our border controls.
Specifically we need to invest in our border force to enable them to adequately patrol our 7000 mile coastline – there are only 11 boats and 120 staff patrolling this vast coastline. No wonder we can do nothing about the small boats. This needs immediate investment.
8.) Do you have any further points to make?
Britain needs a leader with vision who has a clean industrial plan for growth. This leader then needs to be able to paint a picture of the vision for the British people to believe in and then explain why tools such as tax changes, increased borrowing, requirements for pension fund investment or business subsidies etc. are needed to achieve the vision. Then Britain as a nation gets behind the vision and we work as a team to achieve economic, industrial and societal success.
7.)Paul Gold, Independent:
Hi Anthony,
Please find them attached here
regards
Paul Gould
Mon Ceramics Ltd
Pottery Classes – Workshops – Commissions
ph:07454 671296
The rise in the cost of living is a major issue in this by-election.
This is caused by:
1.)Mainly the policies of the present and previous government in sanctioning Russia.
2.)Worsened by the Iran versus Israel/USA war.
Questions:
1.)What would you do to help hard pressed people with the cost-of-living crisis?
Please keep answers as brief as possible, although anything lengthier can be added as additional feedback…
Well, I would start by saying my campaign is about highlighting the questionable spend on the Peak Cluster pipeline and the wider issue of carbon capture infrastructure spending. I would use the estimated £5 billion spend on local renewables and insulation: solar panel grants/conversions and home insulation.
2.)Would you support any tax cuts and/or other means of providing support for citizens suffering from the rises in energy and other costs of living?
I would de-couple gas prices from electricity prices, thereby reducing the cost of renewable electricity.
3.)Do you support abolishing business and domestic rates to provide alleviation from the high costs of living?
( Business rates bring in annually approximately £37.1 billion, and Domestic rates bring in approximately £44.1 billion, in the UK)
No. However, we do need a government that is prepared to reform the rates system. The only way I can see it happening is with a cross party agreement on what the change will be. Unfortunately our adversarial political system doesn’t encourage that sort of collaboration.
4.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Iran versus Israel/USA war?
( It is difficult to quantify the current level of the UK’s economic, military and diplomatic support for Israel).
Yes, to the extent that I think the UK should align with its european neighbours and move forward to a European security agreement.
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
I believe that the UK should concentrate on domestic policies to enable reductions in the cost of living.
5.) Do you support the UK becoming neutral in the Russia/Ukraine war?
No (see previous question)
Do you believe such action would speed up the end of the conflict and enable a reduction in the cost of living?
No, it is of course impossible to say, but a UK withdrawal of support could slow down the end of the conflict.
6.) Do you believe that the billions given to Ukraine every year should instead be spent on helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
(The UK government has so far pledged £21.8 billion to Ukraine, which is approximately £5 billion a year. This does not include the approximate £1billion cost of approximately 264,000 Ukrainian refugees living in the UK. Source- National Audit Office).
No. I believe Ukraine’s security is effectively our security.
7.) Do you believe that a stop or pause in illegal and legal immigration would save money which could be allocated to helping British citizens with the cost-of-living crisis?
(Latest figures reveal that Asylum Support for illegal immigrants costs the UK taxpayer £4.7- £5billion a year).
It might save money in the short term, but would cost us in the long term, as our population is aging we need an inflow of younger people to balance our population requirements.
8.) Do you have any further points to make?
I would just comment that I offer my opinions here at your request, they are informed opinions, but am not an expert.
8.) Alan Hope -Howling Laud Hope, Monster Raving Looney Party
No response given
9.)Rob Kenyon, Reform UK Party
No response given
It appears that both the candidate’s and Reform Uk’s position is changing and this could be a reason for their non-compliance with the questionnaire.
It appears that there is little or no scope for Reform UK ending sanctions on Russia to curb the cost of living, nor to end the billions going to Ukraine.
Key Pillars of Reform UK’s Policy:
- Peace Deal and Compromises: Reform leaders argue for an urgent cessation of hostilities, suggesting that Ukraine may need to accept “uncomfortable compromises”—including potentially dropping aspirations for NATO membership—to secure a permanent settlement.
Opposition to Troop Deployments: The party strongly opposes the UK government’s plans to send British military personnel to Ukraine as peacekeepers. Reform argues that the UK lacks the manpower and resources, and that domestic border defense should take priority
.Support for Arms and Assets: While prioritizing a swift negotiated end to the conflict, Reform has affirmed that it stands with Ukraine against Russian aggression and has backed the seizure of frozen Russian state assets to aid Kyiv’s reconstruction.
Defense of NATO Space: The party supports defending NATO territory from any Russian incursions, including a hardline stance on shooting down rogue jets that breach allied airspace.
On Iran:
- Cost of Living Impact: The party strongly emphasizes the economic fallout of the conflict, pointing out that escalated tensions and prolonged wars will send petrol and energy prices spiraling for British workers.
- Alliance & Defense: While opposing direct UK troop deployment and bombing raids, the party has heavily criticized the current Labour government’s relationship with the US administration, specifically condemning the government for refusing to grant American allies use of UK bases to strike Iran.
10.) Rob Pownall, Independent
No response given
11.) Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain party
No response given
I was told indirectly that Rebecca is very busy and on her guard on media enquiries.,
However, Restore Britain, led by MP Rupert Lowe, advocates for an explicitly isolationist foreign policy. The party pledges to end what it terms a “globalist” approach to foreign affairs. On the issue of Ukraine, the party promises to halt all forms of foreign aid unless it directly benefits British national interests.
Key tenets of the party’s foreign policy include:
- Ending Unconditional Aid: All military and financial foreign aid—including commitments to Ukraine—would be subject to strict tests determining if they directly advance British strategic interests.
The party does say it prioritises the Cost of Living · They emphasize that war-driven inflation hurts British men and women, citing surging fuel and energy prices as direct consequences of the conflict. Restore Britain contends that the government’s sole focus should be solving the domestic cost of living crisis rather than policing the Middle East.
12.) Sara Wakefield, Green party
Depite the Green party media department being in touch, neither they nor Sarah gave a response.
Sarah is apparently on maternity leave, which must make fighting an election more difficult.
The Green party policies on Iran are in this link:
https://greenparty.org.uk/2026/03/06/green-party-statement-on-latest-developments-in-iran-war/
The Greens party stance on the Ukraine/Russia conflict is broadly one of supporting the UK government policy:
https://greenparty.org.uk/2026/02/24/fourth-anniversary-of-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/
Greens have put forward their own energy support plan, which is very much greater than the one offered by the Libdems:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyxyr42jzvo
13.)Peter Ward, the Rejoin the EU PARTY
No response given.
14.) Michael Winstanley, Conservative and Unionist party
No response given.
The current cost of living crisis started under the last Conservative government.
The Conservatives started the policy of taking sides in the Ukraine/Russia conflict.
They also started the sanctions against Russia and the billions of taxpayers money given to Ukraine for military and other needs.
On the Iran versus the USA/Israel they have de facto supported the government’s stance.
The candidate has to convince the electors that he and the Conservatives under new leadership, would be a better choice for them.
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
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