Local Politics

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Leigh Constituency

Background of Leigh

The postcode M29 7WL is located in Leigh, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Jo Platt MP of the Labour/Co-operative party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Leigh is located in Greater Manchester, primarily encompassing the towns of Leigh and Atherton. Established in 1885, the constituency has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, with the party maintaining continuous control from 1922 until 2019. During the 2019 general election, Conservative James Grundy won the seat, marking a significant shift in political alignment reflecting broader national trends.

Demographically, Leigh is characterised by a predominantly white working-class population, with a mixture of urban and semi-rural landscapes. Historically reliant on coal mining and textiles, the local economy has undergone significant transformation. Today, the service sector, retail, and light manufacturing dominate the economic landscape. Socioeconomic challenges include relatively high levels of unemployment and areas of deprivation, alongside ongoing efforts to regenerate and attract new business investments.

The electorate of Leigh has shown a notable inclination towards Brexit. In the 2016 EU Referendum, approximately 63% of voters in the Wigan borough, where Leigh is located, opted to leave the European Union. This decision is often linked to economic and social concerns, reflecting the voter sentiment towards national sovereignty and immigration control.

In recent years, Leigh has witnessed a demographic shift, with a growing number of younger voters and increased ethnic diversity. The political future of the constituency remains dynamic, balancing traditional Labour principles with current Conservative representation, reflecting wider changes in regional and national political landscapes.

Brexit

Did Leigh vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the residents of Leigh, UK, voted in favor of Brexit. The decision could have been influenced by a variety of factors, including concerns about immigration, sovereignty, and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Many voters in Leigh may have felt left behind by globalization and believed that leaving the EU would help to restore control to the UK. Additionally, the promises of increased job opportunities and improved public services post-Brexit could have swayed many residents to support Leave. Ultimately, the decision reflected the desire for change and a belief that Brexit would bring about a better future for the people of Leigh.