Local Politics

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Arfon Constituency

Background of Arfon

The postcode LL57 4HB is located in Arfon, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Hywel Williams MP of the Plaid Cymru party.

Arfon is a UK parliamentary constituency located in the west of Wales. Established in 2010, it was formed from parts of the former constituencies of Caernarfon and Conwy. The constituency includes the university city of Bangor, the historic town of Caernarfon, and the surrounding rural areas, covering parts of Gwynedd.

Politically, Arfon is significant for its strong support for Plaid Cymru, the Welsh nationalist party. Hywel Williams has represented Arfon since its inception in 2010, maintaining a clear majority. Previously, the region also saw Plaid Cymru dominance with former constituencies favouring the party. Additionally, Labour has been a strong contender, reflecting the constituency’s varied political landscape.

Demographically, Arfon has a population with a considerable number of Welsh speakers, underpinning its cultural distinctiveness. The presence of Bangor University contributes to a youthful demographic profile, alongside established communities with deep local ties.

Economically, Arfon is characterised by a mix of public sector employment, education (notably from Bangor University), tourism, and agriculture. The region has a slightly lower-than-national average income level and faces economic challenges typical of rural and semi-rural areas.

The electorate of Arfon, which comprises around 40,000 voters, has shown an engagement with local and national political matters. The constituency's stance on Brexit mirrored much of Wales, with a majority voting to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, despite Plaid Cymru's pro-Remain position.

Arfon embodies a blend of cultural heritage, youthful energy due to its university presence, and political activism, marking it as a unique and vibrant part of Wales.

Brexit

Did Arfon vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Arfon voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. Many residents in this area may have been influenced by concerns over immigration and sovereignty, as well as a desire to regain control over laws and regulations. The constituency's strong Welsh nationalist sentiment could have also played a role in their decision to vote for Brexit, as some saw it as an opportunity to assert Wales' independence and autonomy. Additionally, the area's history of economic struggles and perceptions of being left behind by the EU may have contributed to their choice to leave.