Local Politics

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Stroud Constituency

Background of Stroud

The postcode GL5 1EB is located in Stroud, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by David Drew MP of the Labour/Co-operative party.

Stroud is a UK parliamentary constituency situated in Gloucestershire, South West England. Historically, the seat has seen a fluctuating political landscape, transitioning between Labour and Conservative representatives over the past few decades. The constituency encompasses Stroud town and surrounding rural areas, integrating a mix of urban and agricultural economic activities.

Demographically, Stroud is characterised by a diverse population that includes professionals, agricultural workers, and a significant number of retirees. The area has a reputation for its vibrant arts scene and a strong community focus on environmental sustainability, which is reflected in the local economy's emphasis on green initiatives and eco-friendly businesses.

Economically, Stroud has a blend of traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, alongside a burgeoning sector of small and independent businesses. The local economy benefits from a well-established infrastructure and good transport links to larger cities like Bristol and Gloucester. The presence of both blue-collar and white-collar jobs contributes to a relatively balanced socio-economic profile within the constituency.

The electorate in Stroud has shown varied political inclinations, with turnouts often reflecting broader national trends. The seat was held by Labour from 1997 until 2010 when the Conservatives regained it, only for Labour to reclaim it in 2017, illustrating the constituency's competitive nature.

On Brexit, Stroud voted narrowly to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, with 52% opting for Leave. The division in the vote demonstrates a microcosm of the national sentiment, with the electorate displaying a range of opinions on EU membership and its impacts on local industry and employment.

Brexit

Did Stroud vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, the people of Stroud, UK, chose to leave the EU. Many residents in this constituency were concerned about the impact of EU regulations on small businesses, farming industry, and immigration levels. The desire for greater control over national laws and borders swayed a significant portion of voters to opt for Brexit. Additionally, some individuals in Stroud felt disconnected from EU decision-making processes and believed that leaving the EU would allow the UK to pursue its own independent path.