Local Politics

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Rossendale and Darwen Constituency

Background of Rossendale and Darwen

The postcode OL12 8LF is located in Rossendale and Darwen, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Jake Berry MP of the Conservative party.

Rossendale and Darwen is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Lancashire, encompassing the towns of Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, and Darwen. Established in 1983, the constituency has witnessed varied political representation. Historically, it has fluctuated between the Conservative and Labour parties. Labour initially dominated until 2010, when Jake Berry of the Conservatives won the seat and retained it in subsequent elections, reflecting a broader national trend towards Conservative governance in former Labour strongholds.

Demographically, Rossendale and Darwen presents a mix of urban and rural characteristics. The area is predominantly White British, with small but growing South Asian communities primarily in urban centres like Darwen. The constituency’s economic profile includes manufacturing, retail, and services, alongside rural agricultural activities. However, challenges include pockets of deprivation and a need for regeneration in post-industrial towns.

Electoral participation has varied, with turnout typically hovering around the national average. In the 2019 general election, the electorate numbered approximately 69,000. Voter engagement remains a focal point, with political campaigns often concentrating on local economic issues, healthcare, and education.

On Brexit, Rossendale and Darwen reflected the national division; the constituency voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum by a significant margin. This pro-Leave stance has influenced local political discourse, with Brexit-related concerns often featuring prominently in election debates and discussions about future regional development and investment.

Rossendale and Darwen embodies a politically dynamic and economically diverse constituency, reflective of broader regional and national trends in contemporary British politics.

Brexit

Did Rossendale and Darwen vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Rossendale and Darwen voted to leave the EU. One of the reasons for this decision could be the desire to regain control over immigration policies and borders. Additionally, some residents may have been concerned about the impact of EU regulations on local businesses and industries. The strong sense of national identity and sovereignty in the area likely played a role in influencing the leave vote. the decision to leave the EU in Rossendale and Darwen reflected a range of economic, social, and political factors.