Local Politics

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Tiverton and Honiton Constituency

Background of Tiverton and Honiton

The postcode EX13 7PY is located in Tiverton and Honiton, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Neil Parish MP of the Conservative party.

The parliamentary constituency of Tiverton and Honiton, located in Devon, South West England, has long been a Conservative stronghold, consistently electing Conservative MPs since its creation in 1997. Notably, the area was represented by Neil Parish from 2010 to 2022, succeeded by Richard Foord of the Liberal Democrats following a by-election. The constituency includes large market towns like Tiverton and Honiton, alongside many rural communities, reflecting a predominantly rural demographic.

Economically, the area is characterized by agriculture, with many small to medium-sized farms, as well as tourism, given its picturesque landscapes and historical sites. Traditional industries such as dairying, cattle rearing, and diverse cropping dominate the local economy. Additionally, the constituency benefits from sectors like retail, education, and health services.

In terms of demographics, Tiverton and Honiton exhibit characteristics common to rural England: an ageing population, relatively low levels of ethnic diversity, and a community-oriented lifestyle. The electorate, as of the latest data, numbers around 80,000 individuals, primarily composed of long-term residents.

During the Brexit referendum in 2016, the constituency voted heavily in favour of leaving the European Union, mirroring the broader trend in many similar rural areas. The Leave campaign secured approximately 57% of the vote here, indicative of the region’s Eurosceptic sentiment.

Tiverton and Honiton stand as a microcosm of rural Conservative England, blending historical agricultural roots with modern service-based sectors and maintaining a community-driven approach amidst evolving political landscapes.

Brexit

Did Tiverton and Honiton vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituents of Tiverton and Honiton voted to leave the EU. Many residents in this area felt that the EU imposed too many regulations on British businesses and wanted to take back control of their country's laws. Additionally, concerns over immigration levels and pressures on public services played a significant role in shaping their decision. The vote to leave was seen as a way to regain sovereignty and address these issues. the desire for autonomy and a stronger national identity were key factors influencing their choice to support Brexit.