'The NHS is broken - I’m not sure it can be repaired'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Surrounded by somewhat barren market stalls in the centre of Ashton, a general consensus was forming on some voters’ minds. That consensus was on the issues effecting their vote next week: the NHS, cost of living crisis and immigration.

66-year-old Jan Southgate, who referred to Rishi Sunak as ‘the idiot that’s in number 10’, said that the main issue for her in this general election was the ‘NHS for a start’.

Her friend Sandy Lochlan, 74, agreed. “The nurses, getting a better pay for the nurses, for the doctors, better care for your elderly as well, they’re needing more help," she said. READ MORE: Starmer is an 'undercover Tory' and Sunak an 'incompetent toffee': Voters don't mince their words in Oldham West For one couple, 80-year-old Margaret James and her husband Tony, 86, the cost of living crisis and the current state of the NHS were the deciding factors that lead to their vote - which they have already sent out in the post.

About the NHS, Margaret said: “I think it’s broken and I’m not sure it can be repaired but obviously, as pensioners, it affects us.” Tony agreed, adding: “And they can’t just mend it next week, its gone, it’s going to take time but give them time, [and] they can.” One woman, 70-year-old Jennifer Marshall, stated that immigration is such a big issue for her that she and her husband are voting for Reform UK next week, as they believe Nigel Farage will ‘get things done’.