Election to test whether Red Wall can be rebuilt

Back in the former coalfield areas of Bolsover, it is one of those rare glorious English summer afternoons.

A few conversations here suggest some of those who say they will vote Labour will do so with modest enthusiasm.

More than 70% of voters in Bolsover chose to leave the EU.

More than 70% of Sunny’s lager has gone – and he is nearly ready for another.

He did not vote in 2019, but says he will probably vote Labour this time around.

“I didn’t bother because you get to the point when you just give up – nothing changes,” he says.

He then echoes what we have heard from many people during this campaign: “They promise you loads of stuff and never come through with it.”

Alongside Sunny is care worker Emma, who is on the lager and lime.

She says she does not come out for a drink as often these days because she is worried about her wages.

“We’re still on minimum wage in the care home,” she says.

“Even the residents and their families say we should be getting paid a lot more. I think we deserve a lot more.”

Emma voted Labour last time and says she “probably” will again.

She has worked at the care home for 12 years and says she will be looking closely at what the parties say they will do to sort out social care.

About 100 yards down the street, towards the old Town Hall, is one voter who says she has changed her mind for the third election in a row.

“For years I voted for Labour, but I actually voted Conservative last time,” says the woman, who does not want to give me her name – adding that this time she will be voting for Reform UK.