Local Politics

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Livingston Constituency

Background of Livingston

The postcode EH47 7RJ is located in Livingston, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Hannah Bardell MP of the Scottish National party.

Livingston is a UK parliamentary constituency located in West Lothian, Scotland. Established in 1983, the constituency covers the towns of Livingston, Broxburn, and surrounding villages.

Politically, Livingston has predominantly been held by the Labour Party, reflecting broader trends in West Lothian. However, it witnessed a significant shift in the 2015 general election when the Scottish National Party (SNP) capitalised on post-referendum nationalism, securing a decisive victory. Currently, the seat is held by the SNP, which has maintained a strong presence reflecting the party's broader success in Scottish politics.

Demographically, Livingston is relatively diverse, with a mixture of urban and rural populations. The town of Livingston is a planned new town, designed to accommodate population overflow from Edinburgh. It is home to both young families and an ageing population, contributing to varied socio-economic dynamics. The area has a significant proportion of social housing and areas of economic deprivation, but also wealthier suburban neighbourhoods.

Economically, Livingston benefits from its proximity to Edinburgh and Glasgow, with many residents commuting to these cities. The local economy includes retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, with several business parks providing employment opportunities. Major employers include SKY TV, Webhelp, and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The electorate is composed of a mix of working-class and middle-class voters, and turnout has historically been robust compared to national averages. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, West Lothian, the broader council area housing Livingston, voted to remain in the European Union by 55.76%, aligning with the overall Scottish preference to remain in the EU.

Livingston embodies a microcosm of Scottish political and economic trends, illustrating the balance of legacy industries and new economic challenges within a context of evolving political identities.

Brexit

Did Livingston vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Livingston indeed voted in favour of Brexit in 2016. The decision can be attributed to a variety of factors, including concerns about immigration levels, a desire to reclaim sovereignty, and a sense of disconnect from the European Union. Residents may have also been influenced by broader sentiments of dissatisfaction with the political establishment. the outcome in Livingston reflects a complex mix of opinions and emotions that were prevalent throughout the UK during the referendum.