Local Politics

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East Hampshire Constituency

Background of East Hampshire

The postcode GU35 0NP is located in East Hampshire, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Damian Hinds MP of the Conservative party.

East Hampshire, a UK parliamentary constituency, encompasses the towns of Alton, Petersfield, and Bordon along with surrounding villages. Established in 1983, it has been a Conservative stronghold, with the party consistently securing large majorities. Its current MP is Damian Hinds, who has held the seat since 2010 and has served as Secretary of State for Education.

Demographics in East Hampshire are characterised by a predominantly white, middle-class population with relatively high levels of education and income. The area includes scenic rural landscapes and market towns, contributing to a higher than average quality of life. The constituency has an older than average age profile, reflecting a significant number of retirees.

Economically, East Hampshire benefits from its strategic location in South East England, with good transport links to London and the South Coast. Agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, and a growing service sector dominate the local economy. The presence of military bases, particularly around Bordon, also impacts the local economy and demographics.

In terms of its electorate, East Hampshire had about 79,000 eligible voters as of the last general election. Voter turnout tends to be high, reflecting the engaged and often community-focused nature of the residents.

Regarding Brexit, East Hampshire voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, aligning with the broader national result. The local stance on Brexit was influenced by concerns over national sovereignty and economic opportunities post-EU, despite the constituency's relatively affluent and conservative profile which might have been expected to favour remaining.

Brexit

Did East Hampshire vote for Brexit?

East Hampshire, like many areas in the UK, voted to leave the EU in 2016. The decision was influenced by factors such as concerns about sovereignty, immigration, and a desire to regain control over laws and regulations. Residents of East Hampshire may have felt disconnected from decisions made in Brussels and saw Brexit as an opportunity to take back control. The constituency has a history of Euroscepticism and a strong sense of national pride, which could have contributed to their decision to vote leave. Ultimately, the people of East Hampshire believed that leaving the EU was in the best interest of their constituency.