Local Politics

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Torridge and West Devon Constituency

Background of Torridge and West Devon

The postcode EX38 7JS is located in Torridge and West Devon, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Geoffrey Cox MP of the Conservative party.

Torridge and West Devon is a UK parliamentary constituency in Southwest England, encompassing the districts of Torridge and the western part of West Devon. Established in 1983, it combines primarily rural areas with smaller market towns such as Bideford, Holsworthy, and Okehampton.

Politically, the constituency has a history of marginal representation, historically contested between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. It was held by the Liberal Democrats between 1997 and 2005 but has been a Conservative stronghold since 2001, with Geoffrey Cox serving as its Member of Parliament since 2005.

Demographically, the area is predominantly white, with a significant proportion of older residents and a lower than average ethnic minority population. The constituency has relatively low population density, emphasising agriculture, with many small farms contributing to the local economy. Additionally, tourism and small-scale manufacturing play notable roles. Economic challenges include lower than average wages and a higher than average rate of seasonal employment.

The electorate composition mirrors its rural characteristics, with a high percentage of homeowners and relatively few large urban settlements. These factors contribute to an electorate often inclined towards conservatism, although shifts can occur depending on broader national trends.

On Brexit, the constituency voted decisively to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, reflecting broader regional trends in the Southwest. This pro-Brexit stance has influenced political discourse in the area, with ongoing support for Conservative policies geared towards implementing and navigating post-Brexit adjustments.

Brexit

Did Torridge and West Devon vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Torridge and West Devon voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum. Some residents in this rural area felt disillusioned with the political establishment, believing that leaving the EU would bring back control over issues like immigration and trade. many voters in this region were concerned about the impact of EU regulations on local industries, such as farming and fishing. The desire for greater sovereignty and the hope for a more independent future were key factors driving the decision to vote leave in this corner of the country.