Local Politics

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Dewsbury Constituency

Background of Dewsbury

The postcode HD8 9PS is located in Dewsbury, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Paula Sherriff MP of the Labour party.

The Dewsbury parliamentary constituency is located in West Yorkshire, England, and has a mixed urban and semi-rural character. It includes the town of Dewsbury and surrounding areas such as Mirfield, Kirkburton, and Denby Dale. Historically, Dewsbury has been a Labour stronghold; however, political dynamics have shifted over the years, reflecting broader national trends.

Since the 1980s, Dewsbury has experience fluctuating political representation, with Labour and Conservative parties alternating control. In the 2019 general election, Mark Eastwood of the Conservative Party won the seat, reflecting a significant swing from Labour, suggestive of changing voter sentiments.

Demographically, the constituency has a diverse population, with notable South Asian communities, particularly of Pakistani and Indian descent. This demographic diversity has implications for social and economic policies within the constituency. Dewsbury's economy historically revolved around textiles, but it has diversified into retail, manufacturing, and services. The constituency faces economic challenges such as the need for regeneration and addressing socio-economic disparities.

The electorate in Dewsbury is composed of a mix of long-time residents and younger, more transient populations. Key electoral issues often centre around the NHS, education, employment, and crime, reflecting both local priorities and national concerns.

Regarding Brexit, the Dewsbury constituency voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, with the Leave campaign securing approximately 55% of the vote. This result is indicative of regional sentiments towards national sovereignty and immigration, which have influenced subsequent political discourse and representation.

In summary, Dewsbury is a politically significant and demographically varied constituency, experiencing evolving political alignments and facing contemporary economic and social challenges, with a notable position on Brexit that aligned with broader regional trends.

Brexit

Did Dewsbury vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Dewsbury voted in favour of Brexit in 2016, reflecting a widespread sentiment across the area. Local residents cited concerns about immigration, loss of control over laws made in Brussels, and a desire to regain sovereignty as key factors in their decision to leave the EU. Many voters in Dewsbury felt disillusioned with the political establishment and saw leaving the EU as a way to take back control and address issues they felt had been neglected for too long. The result in Dewsbury highlighted the divide between urban and rural areas in the UK during the referendum.