Local Politics

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Forest of Dean Constituency

Background of Forest of Dean

The postcode GL18 2EJ is located in Forest of Dean, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Mark Harper MP of the Conservative party.

The Forest of Dean is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Gloucestershire, named after the historic Forest of Dean. Established in 1885, it has experienced varied political representation. Historically, it was a Liberal stronghold before gradually becoming a Labour seat in the early to mid-20th century. Since the 2005 general election, the Conservative Party has consistently held the seat, currently represented by Mark Harper.

Demographically, the constituency combines small towns such as Cinderford, Coleford, and Lydney with rural villages. The population is predominantly White British, with a slightly higher-than-average median age. The area has a rich industrial heritage, formerly based on coal mining, iron production, and timber. Today, the local economy is characterised by manufacturing, agriculture, and increasingly, tourism, given the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The electorate in the Forest of Dean reflects a mix of traditional working-class roots and more affluent rural and retired populations. Issues pertinent to the voters include local employment, healthcare services, and rural broadband access.

In the 2016 EU referendum, the Forest of Dean voted to leave the European Union, with 58.5% of the electorate favouring Brexit. This stance aligned with broader national trends in many rural and formerly industrial regions. The current MP, Mark Harper, supported Remain, but has since advocated for respecting the referendum result and ensuring a smooth Brexit process. the Forest of Dean constituency offers a microcosm of the UK's political and social transitions, balancing its historical roots with contemporary challenges.

Brexit

Did Forest of Dean vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Forest of Dean in the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, reflecting widespread sentiments of Euroscepticism and concerns about immigration. Residents in this rural area may have been influenced by issues such as sovereignty, control over borders, and a desire to protect British jobs. The result demonstrated a desire for change and a rejection of the status quo, with many feeling disconnected from decisions made in Brussels. The decision to leave was seen as a way to regain independence and assert Britain's autonomy on the global stage.