Local Politics

---

Heywood and Middleton Constituency

Background of Heywood and Middleton

The postcode OL12 7SG is located in Heywood and Middleton, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Liz McInnes MP of the Labour party.

Heywood and Middleton is a UK parliamentary constituency situated in Greater Manchester, encompassing the towns of Heywood and Middleton. Established in 1983, it elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. The constituency has historically leaned towards the Labour Party, which held the seat continuously from its inception until 2014. In the 2014 by-election following the death of Labour MP Jim Dobbin, the seat was narrowly won by Labour despite a strong challenge from UKIP. The 2019 general election saw a significant political shift when the Conservative Party captured the seat for the first time.

The demographic profile of Heywood and Middleton includes a mix of urban and semi-rural communities with diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The area has a population characterised by working-class roots, with many residents employed in manufacturing, retail, and public services. Unemployment and economic deprivation are persistent issues, although there have been efforts to stimulate local economic development and regeneration.

The electorate of Heywood and Middleton is typically engaged with national and local issues, displaying pragmatic voting behaviour influenced by economic conditions and public service quality. In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency voted strongly in favour of Brexit, with approximately 62% opting to leave the European Union. This sentiment mirrored broader trends in former industrial heartlands across the UK, where concerns over sovereignty, immigration, and economic opportunity were paramount.

Heywood and Middleton's voting patterns and electoral outcomes reflect a microcosm of Northern England's evolving political landscape, particularly in the context of Brexit and its aftermath.

Brexit

Did Heywood and Middleton vote for Brexit?

Heywood and Middleton, like many working-class towns in the UK, voted to leave the EU in 2016. This decision could be attributed to factors such as high levels of unemployment, concerns about immigration impacting local job opportunities, and a desire to regain control over national sovereignty. The constituency has a history of supporting the Labour party, but many residents felt disillusioned with the EU's policies and believed that leaving would better serve their interests. The vote to leave reflected a desire for change and a belief that Brexit would bring about improvements to their community.