Local Politics

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Bolsover Constituency

Background of Bolsover

The postcode NG16 6LH is located in Bolsover, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Dennis Skinner MP of the Labour party.

Bolsover is a parliamentary constituency situated in Derbyshire, England. Traditionally, this constituency has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1950. It gained significant attention due to its long-serving Labour MP, Dennis Skinner, who represented Bolsover from 1970 until 2019, known for his forthright and uncompromising style.

The demographics of Bolsover are predominantly working-class, with a significant number of its residents employed in industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Historically, the constituency was deeply rooted in coal mining, although the decline of this industry has led to economic diversification in recent years, including a focus on logistics and distribution due to its strategic location near major transport links.

Economically, Bolsover faces challenges related to income levels and employment opportunities, which are below the national average. These economic characteristics reflect broader issues of industrial decline in post-mining communities across the UK.

The electorate of Bolsover has traditionally aligned with Labour policies, although this shifted in the 2019 General Election when the Conservatives won the seat for the first time, with Mark Fletcher becoming the MP. This shift was emblematic of changes in the political landscape, including the influence of Brexit.

On Brexit, Bolsover showed strong support for leaving the European Union, with approximately 70% of voters opting to leave in the 2016 referendum. This high level of Euroscepticism reflects broader regional trends in the Midlands, contributing to the realignment of political loyalties observed in recent elections.

Bolsover represents a constituency that embodies both historical political loyalties and significant socio-economic challenges, situated within the broader context of post-industrial change and evolving political identities in the UK.

Brexit

Did Bolsover vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Bolsover in the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016. Many residents in the area felt disillusioned with the political establishment, believing that leaving the EU would give them more control over their own laws and borders. Economic factors such as concerns about job security and immigration also played a significant role in shaping their decision. The Leave campaign's promises of greater sovereignty and a boost to the economy resonated with many voters in Bolsover, ultimately leading to their choice to support Brexit.