Local Politics

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Edinburgh East Constituency

Background of Edinburgh East

The postcode EH1 1DR is located in Edinburgh East, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Tommy Sheppard MP of the Scottish National party.

Edinburgh East is a UK parliamentary constituency situated in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Historically, the seat has been represented by various political parties, including the Labour Party and the Scottish National Party (SNP). Labour held the constituency for much of the 20th and early 21st centuries, signifying strong urban working-class support. However, recent years have seen a shift towards the SNP, reflecting broader national trends in Scottish politics.

Demographically, Edinburgh East is diverse, encompassing a mixture of affluent areas, student populations, and more deprived communities. Its borders encompass parts of the University of Edinburgh, contributing to a younger, highly-educated electorate in certain wards. The constituency also includes important cultural landmarks such as Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat.

Economically, Edinburgh East is varied, with significant sectors including education, tourism, retail, and technology. The presence of the University of Edinburgh and associated institutions highlights the importance of education and research in the local economy. Small businesses and independent shops add to the economic landscape, contributing to a vibrant local commerce scene.

In terms of the electorate, Edinburgh East has around 70,000 voters, reflecting a dynamic and occasionally volatile political landscape. Constituency boundaries have changed multiple times, influencing party dominance and voter alignment.

Regarding Brexit, Edinburgh East, like much of Scotland, predominantly voted to remain in the European Union during the 2016 referendum. This stance indicates a preference for pro-European policies among the electorate, aligning with Scotland’s broader resistance to Brexit and showcasing distinct political priorities compared to much of the UK. This pro-European sentiment continues to influence the constituency’s political dialogue and representation.

Brexit

Did Edinburgh East vote for Brexit?

During the 2016 EU referendum, Edinburgh East voted to leave the European Union. The decision to vote this way could have been influenced by a number of factors, including concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to regain control over laws and regulations. Additionally, some residents may have felt left behind by globalisation and sought to address perceived inequalities by voting to leave the EU. The complex mix of social, economic, and political issues likely played a role in shaping the Brexit vote in this particular constituency.