Local Politics

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Burnley Constituency

Background of Burnley

The postcode BB12 8EJ is located in Burnley, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Julie Cooper MP of the Labour party.

Burnley is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Lancashire, established in 1868. Politically, it has predominantly been a strong Labour seat, particularly throughout the 20th century, with intermittent periods of Liberal Democrat representation. Labour's influence waned slightly in recent decades, and the seat was notably won by the Liberal Democrats in 2010. More recently, in the 2019 general election, Burnley elected its first Conservative MP in post-war history.

The town of Burnley has a diverse demographic profile. It has experienced significant demographic changes with a growing South Asian community, predominantly Pakistani in origin. The constituency has a population characterised by a mix of urban residents and those from surrounding rural areas, with a somewhat ageing populace.

Economically, Burnley historically relied heavily on the textile industry, which saw a decline towards the end of the 20th century. The local economy has diversified, now including sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced engineering. However, the area has faced economic challenges, including higher than average unemployment rates and some of the indicators of socio-economic deprivation.

Regarding its electorate, Burnley has approximately 65,000 registered voters. Traditionally, voter turnout in the constituency has hovered around the national average, reflecting steady civic engagement.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Burnley voted decisively to leave the European Union, with 66.6% of voters supporting Brexit. This stance influenced subsequent elections, with Brexit playing a significant role in reshaping voter alignments and party support within the constituency.

Burnley represents a microcosm of broader UK political and socio-economic trends, reflecting transitions from industrial heritage to modern industry and shifts in political alignment in response to nationwide issues.

Brexit

Did Burnley vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Burnley voted for Brexit in 2016, reflecting a strong sentiment of disillusionment and frustration with the status quo. Many residents felt left behind by globalization, with concerns over immigration and job losses contributing to their decision to leave the EU. The area has faced economic challenges in recent years, leading some voters to view Brexit as a means to regain control and protect their interests. The result in Burnley reflected a desire for change and a belief that leaving the EU could bring about improvements in their local community.