Local Politics

---

Rutherglen and Hamilton West Constituency

Background of Rutherglen and Hamilton West

The postcode G73 2RL is located in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Gerard Killen MP of the Labour/Co-operative party.

Rutherglen and Hamilton West is a UK parliamentary constituency located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Established in 2005, it includes the towns of Rutherglen, Cambuslang, and parts of Hamilton. Historically a Labour stronghold, the constituency shifted towards the Scottish National Party (SNP) in recent elections, reflecting broader national trends in Scottish politics.

The area is characterised by its mixed urban and suburban landscape. Rutherglen and Cambuslang have historical ties to the coal and steel industries, while Hamilton has a diversified economy with notable public sector employment. Despite deindustrialisation, the constituency maintains a blend of working-class and middle-class demographics.

The electorate of Rutherglen and Hamilton West consists of a relatively balanced age distribution, with both young families and an older population. Education levels are varied, with a notable proportion holding higher education qualifications, though there are pockets with lower attainment rates.

Economically, the area is transitioning, with investments in retail, business services, and light manufacturing. Employment levels have been improving, though they historically lagged behind national averages. Housing varies from council estates to suburban developments, impacting local socio-economic dynamics.

In the 2016 EU Referendum, South Lanarkshire, which includes Rutherglen and Hamilton West, voted by a slim majority to leave the EU, reflecting a split stance on Brexit. This division has influenced local political discourse, with Brexit playing a significant role in subsequent elections.

Rutherglen and Hamilton West is a constituency with a dynamic political landscape, a diverse demographic profile, and evolving economic outlook, underpinned by shifting affiliations and the ongoing impact of Brexit.

Brexit

Did Rutherglen and Hamilton West vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West voted to leave the EU. Locals cited concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to regain control over their laws and borders as influencing factors in their decision. Additionally, many residents in this area have expressed frustration with the perceived lack of accountability and transparency within the EU institutions. The vote to leave was seen as a way to address these grievances and restore a sense of autonomy and self-determination to the constituents of Rutherglen and Hamilton West.