Local Politics

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North Wiltshire Constituency

Background of North Wiltshire

The postcode GL8 8QY is located in North Wiltshire, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by James Gray MP of the Conservative party.

North Wiltshire is a parliamentary constituency located in the ceremonial county of Wiltshire, England. Established in its current form in 1983, it predominantly features rural and semi-rural landscapes, including towns such as Chippenham, Wootton Bassett, and Malmesbury. The area's demographics are characterised by a predominantly White British population, with a significant proportion of middle to upper-middle-class residents. Housing and services are tailored to a mixture of traditional rural lifestyles and commuter needs, given its accessibility to larger cities like Bath and Swindon.

Economically, North Wiltshire is diversified, encompassing agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and a growing services sector. Additionally, area residents frequently commute to nearby urban centres, facilitated by decent transport links. The local economy benefits from high employment rates and an above-average household income level relative to national figures.

Politically, North Wiltshire has been a Conservative stronghold for decades. Since its establishment, it has predominantly voted for Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs), with James Gray serving as its MP since 1997. The constituency's electorate tends to favour centre-right economic and social policies, reflected in consistent voting patterns.

During the 2016 Brexit referendum, the constituency voted to leave the European Union, aligning with the broader regional and national trend outside metropolitan areas. This outcome underlined local sentiments prioritising national sovereignty and concerns over EU regulations.

North Wiltshire represents a microcosm of traditional, rural English constituencies with stable political preferences, a solid economic foundation, and a conservative approach to national and international policy issues.

Brexit

Did North Wiltshire vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituency of North Wiltshire voted in favor of Brexit. One reason for this could be the strong sense of national identity and sovereignty felt by many residents in the area. Additionally, concerns about immigration and the desire to regain control over borders may have influenced voters to choose to leave the EU. The agricultural industry, which is significant in North Wiltshire, may have also played a role, with some farmers believing Brexit would bring about more favorable trade deals and regulations. Ultimately, a combination of these factors likely contributed to the constituency's decision to support leaving the EU.