Local Politics

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North Cornwall Constituency

Background of North Cornwall

The postcode EX23 9RD is located in North Cornwall, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Scott Mann MP of the Conservative party.

North Cornwall is a UK parliamentary constituency established in 1918. Historically, it has seen fluctuating political control between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party. Michael Hicks Beach, a Conservative, represented the constituency from 1918 to 1929, with significant subsequent representation by the Liberal Democrats, especially during the tenure of Paul Tyler and later Dan Rogerson. As of the latest elections, the seat is held by Scott Mann of the Conservative Party.

Geographically, North Cornwall is largely rural, featuring picturesque coastlines, and is known for tourism, agriculture, and small-scale fisheries. The constituency encompasses towns like Bodmin, Wadebridge, and Bude, providing a mix of smaller communities and legislative concerns. The area’s economy relies significantly on tourism, particularly coastal resorts, but also benefits from agriculture and small businesses. This rural composition contributes to a distinctive socio-economic profile, with issues such as rural connectivity and agricultural policy being particularly pertinent.

Demographically, North Cornwall hosts a mix of age groups, with a notable proportion of retirees attracted to its coastal appeal. Economic challenges include relatively high levels of seasonal unemployment and a reliance on low-wage jobs tied to tourism and agriculture. The electorate also voices concerns over housing affordability, rural transport links, and access to services.

In the 2016 EU Referendum, North Cornwall displayed a strong support for Brexit, reflecting broader rural and coastal community trends across the UK that favoured leaving the European Union. This stance has influenced subsequent political discourse and candidate positions within the constituency.

North Cornwall remains a constituency greatly influenced by its rural economy, demographic makeup, and strong historical voting patterns, making it a unique and dynamic area within UK politics.

Brexit

Did North Cornwall vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the people of North Cornwall voted to leave the EU, reflecting wider sentiments in rural areas across the UK. The decision to vote leave could have been influenced by concerns over immigration, a desire for greater sovereignty, and a disillusionment with the EU's bureaucratic processes. Additionally, the area's agricultural and fishing industries may have played a role, with some residents feeling that Brexit could lead to better trade deals and policies tailored to benefit the local economy. The result highlighted the diverse range of opinions within the constituency on the issue of EU membership.