Local Politics

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Wansbeck Constituency

Background of Wansbeck

The postcode NE22 7JH is located in Wansbeck, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Ian Lavery MP of the Labour party.

Wansbeck is a parliamentary constituency in Northumberland, northern England. Established in 1885, it has a long political history characterised by Labour Party dominance. Wansbeck’s most notable MP in recent years has been Ian Lavery, a Labour politician and former trade union leader, who has served since 2010. The constituency has leaned strongly towards Labour, with the party holding the seat consistently for several decades, though recent elections have shown diminishing majorities, indicating a shift towards more competitive races.

Demographically, Wansbeck comprises a largely working-class population within its main towns, such as Ashington and Bedlington, and smaller villages scattered throughout the area. The ethnic composition is predominantly White British, reflecting the broader demographic trends of Northumberland.

Economically, Wansbeck has historically been an area reliant on coal mining and heavy industry, though these sectors have experienced significant decline over the past few decades. The modern economy features a mix of small to medium-sized enterprises, public sector employment, and service industries. Regeneration efforts have been ongoing to address economic challenges and improve employment opportunities.

As of the latest records, the electorate size of Wansbeck is approximately 55,000. Voter turnout varies but generally aligns with national averages.

Regarding Brexit, Wansbeck voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, mirroring the national result but reflecting particular local concerns about issues like immigration, economic opportunities, and national sovereignty. This outcome has influenced political discourse in the area, impacting both local and national electoral dynamics.

Wansbeck is a constituency with deep Labour roots, facing economic transitions and evolving political landscapes. Its stance on Brexit reflects broader regional trends, adding complexity to its electoral behaviour.

Brexit

Did Wansbeck vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Wansbeck voted to leave the EU. Some residents in the area cited concerns over issues such as immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to take back control from Brussels as reasons for their decision. Additionally, factors like economic instability and a perceived lack of support from the EU may have also influenced the vote. Despite being a traditionally Labour-supporting area, Wansbeck's decision to back Brexit reflected a growing trend seen in many working-class communities across the UK during the referendum.