The tactics Reform will use to defeat Burnham in crunch by-election

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

57% : I hope, in my lifetime, I see this country rejoining the European Union.
55% : Reform leaflets are likely to include Burnham's "in my lifetime" comments about rejoining the EU.
50% : And in the 2016 Brexit referendum the Wigan Council area, which includes Makerfield, voted 64 per cent in favour of leaving the European Union.
46% : The Reform leader has vowed to "throw everything" at beating Burnham in the Makerfield by-election - and it is understood this will include highlighting his previous comments about wanting the UK to rejoin the European Union "in my lifetime".
43% : " This went further than the Starmer Government's stated position of not rejoining the EU.
43% : One said: "Of course he will talk about a closer relationship but he has said he is not going to start talking about rejoining the EU."
39% : Another ally said: " He will be acutely aware of the views of the people of Makerfield and is not going to be dragged into a debate about rejoining the EU."

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