Local Politics

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Ipswich Constituency

Background of Ipswich

The postcode IP1 1HN is located in Ipswich, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Sandy Martin MP of the Labour party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Ipswich, located in Suffolk, has a rich political history, frequently oscillating between Labour and Conservative representation. Established for the 1295 Model Parliament, Ipswich has reflected national political trends, often viewed as a marginal seat. Historically, the constituency has seen periods of Labour dominance, notably under Chris Mole (1997-2010), and Conservative representation, with Ben Gummer (2010-2017) and currently Tom Hunt (since 2019).

Demographically, Ipswich exhibits a diverse profile, with a mixture of urban and suburban areas. The population is relatively young, compared to the national average, and includes a significant proportion of ethnic minorities. The town’s economic characteristics highlight a blend of service-oriented industries, retail, education, and a burgeoning tech sector. Ipswich benefits from a vibrant cultural scene and strong transport links to London, enhancing its appeal as a commuter town.

Economically, Ipswich encounters challenges, notably in pockets of deprivation and skills shortages. Educational performance varies significantly, contributing to differing socio-economic outcomes within the constituency. Despite this, efforts to revitalise the town centre and investments in infrastructure aim to address these issues.

With regard to the electorate, Ipswich had 68,008 registered voters as of the 2019 General Election. Voter turnout has traditionally been robust, signalling active political engagement.

Ipswich’s stance on Brexit was notably delineated in the 2016 EU Referendum, where approximately 58% voted to leave the European Union, reflecting a broader trend in many similar constituencies. This result highlighted a critical divide that influenced subsequent electoral behaviour and political discourse within the constituency.

Brexit

Did Ipswich vote for Brexit?

Ipswich, like many other areas, voted in favour of Brexit in 2016. Some residents cited concerns over immigration and sovereignty as key factors influencing their decision. The town has faced economic challenges in recent years, with some feeling disconnected from the decisions made in Brussels. There was also a sense of wanting to regain control over laws and regulations that directly impact their daily lives. Ultimately, the people of Ipswich saw leaving the EU as an opportunity to take back control and shape their own future.