Local Politics

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North Dorset Constituency

Background of North Dorset

The postcode BH31 6XN is located in North Dorset, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Simon Hoare MP of the Conservative party.

North Dorset is a UK parliamentary constituency located in the county of Dorset, predominantly rural and encompassing market towns such as Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, and Verwood. Established in its current form in 1885, this constituency has traditionally been a Conservative stronghold. It was represented by Sir Oliver Letwin from 1997 to 2019, followed by Simon Hoare, who has held the seat since 2015.

The area's demographic profile is characterised by a significant proportion of older residents, reflecting the nationwide trend of an ageing population. According to the 2011 Census, the population of North Dorset was approximately 77,900, with a relatively low population density. The constituency has a varied economic base, including agriculture, light industry, retail, and tourism, which leverage the area's historical landmarks and natural beauty.

The electorate of North Dorset was recorded at around 73,000 for recent elections, with voter turnout typically in line with national averages. The region tends to exhibit conservative values and has shown consistent support for the Conservative Party in both local and national elections.

In the 2016 EU referendum, North Dorset, like much of rural England, voted in favour of leaving the European Union, reflecting Eurosceptic sentiment among its voters. The Brexit decision has had a substantial impact on local businesses, particularly in agriculture and those reliant on EU markets, but it continues to see strong support for Brexit-supporting politicians within its conservative electorate.

North Dorset remains a politically stable constituency with a deep-rooted conservative identity, a robust rural economy, and a community that values its historical and natural heritage.

Brexit

Did North Dorset vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of North Dorset voted to leave the European Union. Many residents cited concerns over loss of control to Brussels, immigration levels, and a desire to regain sovereignty as key reasons for their decision. The predominantly rural area has a strong agricultural sector, and some believed that leaving the EU would allow for more tailored policies to support farmers. Additionally, there was a general feeling of disconnection from the EU institutions and a desire to reclaim decision-making power closer to home. These sentiments were reflected in the majority vote to leave the EU.