Reform UK has launched a blistering attack on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, accusing him of betraying survivors of grooming gangs and promising new pledges to expose hidden files and quadruple police funding. The criticism comes amid a heated Makerfield by‑election, where Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyan is close to overtaking Burnham.

Reform UK’s 100‑Day File Release Promise

According to the party’s statement , if a Reform government comes to power, it will release all public‑body files dating back 40 years that relate to grooming gangs. The move is framed as a way to shine a light on decades of institutional silence , a claim that echoes former whistleblower Maggie Oliver’s accusations that Burnham “turned away” from victims.

Quadrupling Police and NCA Funding by £300 Million

Reform UK’s pledge to boost National Crime Agency and police taskforce budgets by £300 million—an increase of 300%—is aimed at investigating not only perpetrators but also complicit authorities, including police, social workers and politicians. The party argues that Burnham’s own review lacked the breadth to uncover systemic failures.

Makerfield By‑Election Intensifies the Clash

The Makerfield by‑election has become a proxy battlefield for the grooming‑gang debate.. Reform UK’s candidate Rob Kenyan is polling close to defeating Burnham, according to local reports. The timing of the attack, as the election approaches,suggests a strategic move to galvanise voters who feel the mayor’s record is “shameful.”

Who Is the Unnamed “Conspiracy of Silence”?

Reform UK accuses Burnham of engaging in a “conspiracy of silence and institutional avoidance,” but the source does not identify the specific individuals or agencies involved. The claim raises questions about which police officers, social workers or politicians may have been complicit, a point that remains unverified.

Burnham’s Defense and the 2022 Survivor Protest

Burnham has defended his record, stating he “100%” stands by his actions and accusing critics of creating hate . he recalls a 2022 meeting where survivors heckled and booed him, a moment that Reform UK cites as evidence of his failure to listen. the mayor’s own local probe,launched in 2017, is criticised for its narrow terms and alleged cherry‑picking of cases.

As the election approaches, Reform UK’s campaign underscores the need for systemic change, while supporters argue that the mayor has taken steps to investigate and engage with survivors. the controversy highlights the broader debate over local versus national inquiries and the role of elected officials in ensuring justice.