Local Politics

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Richmond Park Constituency

Background of Richmond Park

The postcode KT2 7DN is located in Richmond Park, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Zac Goldsmith MP of the Conservative party.

Richmond Park is a parliamentary constituency in south-west London, established in 1997. It encompasses the affluent areas of Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, and parts of East Sheen. The constituency is known for its picturesque landscapes, including Richmond Park and the River Thames, contributing to its high property values and appealing residential market.

Politically, Richmond Park has a history of fluctuating control between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. It was originally a Conservative stronghold, with the party holding the seat from 2001 to 2010. However, in 2010, the Liberal Democrats captured the constituency, only to lose it back to the Conservatives in 2015. A notable moment in its political narrative occurred in 2016 when Zac Goldsmith, a Conservative MP, resigned over his opposition to the Heathrow Airport expansion, triggering a by-election which he subsequently lost to Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney. This seat then reverted to Conservative representation in the 2017 general election but was reclaimed by Olney in 2019.

The demographics of Richmond Park are largely middle-to-upper-class, with high levels of education and income. Professionals and affluent families predominantly populate the area, reflecting its robust economic profile focused around sectors such as finance, media, and retail.

In terms of Brexit, Richmond Park overwhelmingly voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum, reflecting the constituency’s generally pro-European outlook. This stance on Brexit contributed to fluctuations in political allegiance, as the Liberal Democrats capitalised on their strong anti-Brexit platform to win back the seat in 2019.

Richmond Park’s electorate is characterised by high voter turnout and active civic engagement, with residents deeply involved in local and national issues.

Brexit

Did Richmond Park vote for Brexit?

Richmond Park indeed voted to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum. The constituency, known for its affluent and cosmopolitan population, may have been influenced by factors such as the benefits of EU membership for business and the high percentage of residents with international backgrounds. Additionally, the strong presence of the Liberal Democrats in the area, who campaigned heavily for Remain, could have played a significant role in shaping the views of voters in Richmond Park.