Reform UK has intensified its criticism of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, accusing him of failing victims of the grooming gang scandal.The party’s shadow Home Secretary, Zia Yusuf, made the allegations ahead of the Makerfield by-election, claiming that Burnham did not do enough to ensure justice for survivors of child sexual exploitation cases in parts of Greater Manchester.

Yusuf cited comments from whistleblower and former detective constable Maggie Oliver, who has previously criticised institutional responses to the scandal, arguing that authorities lacked leadership and failed to act decisively.Reform UK stated that, if elected, it would introduce new measures aimed at increasing accountability and transparency.

These include pledges to release historical files and internal communications from public bodies relating to grooming gang investigations spanning several decades, as well as significantly increasing funding for police and National Crime Agency taskforces dedicated to investigating such crimes.

The party argues that these steps are necessary to uncover the full extent of institutional failures and ensure perpetrators and any complicit officials are brought to justice.

The article also highlights ongoing political tensions surrounding Burnham’s record, with critics alleging that earlier reviews into grooming-related abuse cases were too limited in scope.

Burnham has previously defended his approach, including local inquiries conducted during his tenure, and has rejected claims that authorities participated in any cover-up.

The issue has become politically charged during the by-election campaign, with Reform UK attempting to frame the debate around accountability and victims’ rights, while Labour and other parties contest the narrative and defend previous governance structures.

The controversy forms part of a broader electoral battle in Makerfield, where multiple parties are competing closely, making the issue of past institutional handling of abuse a central campaign theme.