Lib Dems can 'deliver actual savings' vows Makerfield by-election candidate

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Makerfield by-election has said the party can "deliver actual savings" to help people out of the cost-of-living crisis.

Jake Austin told BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Sweeney it is "the key issue that everybody is talking about" on the doorstep.

"It's how much things cost, it's how difficult it is to get by these days."

The Wigan-born councillor, who represents Hazel Grove in Stockport, said the party recently released a plan to halve energy bills if they get into power.

Austin was speaking as part of a series of interviews with candidates from the major parties standing in the poll, which will take place on 18 June.

Pressed for his views on immigration, Austin said he believes it is something that "brings benefits to the community", adding: "Many of our NHS workers are immigrants".

Austin said "there have to be controls" but added that we should be "welcoming to people who contribute to our society".

In an area which voted heavily for Brexit, Austin was also asked if he favoured rejoining the EU. He said: "Nobody wants to revisit the Brexit vote of 10 years ago," he said. "What people want to see is cost of living reductions to help them live.

"The Liberal Democrats last week made an amendment to the King's speech that would have pushed the government for a customs union with the European Union, that would have given us £25bn extra into the economy."

With Andy Burnham widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he is successful in the Makerfield by-election, Austin said he is "frustrated" claiming both Labour and Reform are taking "voters for a ride".

He added: "I was born in Hindley and grew up in this area and I am angry."

Austin claimed Andy Burnham was "doing this as a bid to become Prime Minister". He added: "On the Reform side you have a party too busy sowing hate and division to be able to represent people.

"I think people deserve a proper Liberal Democrat alternative. Let's get politics back to normal."