Local Politics

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Orpington Constituency

Background of Orpington

The postcode BR8 7QH is located in Orpington, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Jo Johnson MP of the Conservative party.

Orpington is a parliamentary constituency in Greater London, established in 1945. Historically, it has swung between the Conservative and Liberal parties, gaining significant attention in the 1962 by-election when Liberal Eric Lubbock won a surprise victory, a landmark event in post-war British politics. However, since the 1970s, Orpington has predominantly been a Conservative stronghold.

The constituency encompasses the suburban town of Orpington and surrounding areas, including Petts Wood, Chelsfield, and Farnborough. It is characterised by a mix of residential zones, green spaces, and pockets of commercial activity. The area has relatively high property values and low unemployment rates, reflecting its largely middle-class demographic. Many residents commute to Central London for work, contributing to Orpington's profile as a commuter town.

Economically, Orpington benefits from diverse sectors such as retail, healthcare, education, and public administration. The local high street and shopping centres provide substantial employment opportunities, alongside numerous schools and a major hospital located within the constituency.

The electorate is varied but tends towards centre-right political preferences, in line with the broader profile of the Conservative Party's traditional voter base. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Bromley borough, encompassing Orpington, voted 50.64% in favour of Leave, indicating a constituency relatively evenly split on the issue. Subsequent general elections have shown continued support for Conservative candidates, reflecting a preference for stability during the post-Brexit transition period.

Orpington is a predominantly suburban constituency with a strong Conservative presence, a prosperous demographic profile, and a balanced Brexit stance, representative of moderate Euroscepticism.

Brexit

Did Orpington vote for Brexit?

Orpington, like many areas in the UK, opted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. The decision could have been influenced by a desire to regain control over issues such as immigration and sovereignty. Concerns over EU regulations and the perceived lack of accountability also played a role in shaping the voting behaviour of residents. The constituency's preference for Brexit reflected wider sentiments of discontent and a longing for change that resonated with many voters across the country at the time.