Local Politics

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Braintree Constituency

Background of Braintree

The postcode CM7 4EZ is located in Braintree, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by James Cleverly MP of the Conservative party.

Braintree is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Essex, within the East of England. Historically, it was established in 1885, abolished in 1950, and then re-established in 1974. The area has a predominantly rural character mixed with small market towns, including Braintree itself, Witham, and Halstead.

Politically, Braintree has predominantly leaned Conservative, having been represented by Conservative MPs for the majority of its recent history. Notable MPs include Brooks Newmark and James Cleverly, the latter holding various government positions including Chair of the Conservative Party. However, the constituency has experienced periods of Labour control, particularly during the 1997 landslide victory when Labour's Alan Hurst served until 2005.

Demographically, Braintree has a predominantly White British population with a mix of socio-economic backgrounds. The constituency has a relatively affluent profile, although there are pockets of deprivation. The local economy is diverse, with a strong presence of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retail, manufacturing, and agricultural activities contributing significantly to employment and economic stability.

The electorate of Braintree has shown a robust engagement in national issues, with a voter turnout typically aligning with national averages. During the 2016 Brexit referendum, Braintree voted predominantly in favour of leaving the European Union, reflecting a Eurosceptic sentiment in line with broader trends in similar constituencies across the East of England.

Braintree is a constituency characterised by its Conservative leanings, mixed demographics, robust local economy, and a clear pro-Brexit stance, embodying a slice of rural and small-town England.

Brexit

Did Braintree vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Braintree voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. Many residents expressed concerns about immigration levels and the perceived loss of sovereignty to the European Union. Some felt that leaving the EU would allow the UK to regain control over its borders and make decisions independently. Others believed that exiting the EU would give the country better opportunities to negotiate trade deals and protect British industries. the decision to vote leave in Braintree reflected a desire for increased autonomy and a belief that leaving the EU would benefit the UK in the long term.