Local Politics

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Oldham West and Royton Constituency

Background of Oldham West and Royton

The postcode OL1 2ED is located in Oldham West and Royton, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Jim McMahon MP of the Labour/Co-operative party.

Oldham West and Royton is a parliamentary constituency in Greater Manchester, established in 1997. It encompasses the towns of Oldham and Royton, notable for their industrial heritage, particularly in textile manufacturing. The constituency has a predominantly working-class population, with a diverse ethnic composition, including significant South Asian communities.

Politically, Oldham West and Royton has been a Labour stronghold since its creation. Michael Meacher was the constituency's first MP, serving until his death in 2015, followed by Jim McMahon, who has held the seat since then. Labour's strong presence is reflective of the area’s working-class roots and historical ties to trade unionism.

Economically, the constituency has faced challenges related to deindustrialisation, which affected employment and economic growth. However, there have been efforts to revitalise the local economy through regeneration projects and investments in education and infrastructure. Retail, healthcare, and public sector employment form significant parts of the local job market.

As of the most recent elections, the electorate of Oldham West and Royton stands at approximately 80,000 voters. The constituency has shown concern for issues such as housing, social services, and the local economy in recent political campaigns.

In the 2016 EU referendum, Oldham as a whole voted decisively to leave the European Union, with 60% of voters supporting Brexit. This reflects a broader trend in post-industrial towns where economic discontent and feelings of disconnection from London-centric policies spurred support for leaving the EU.

Oldham West and Royton remains an emblematic constituency with a pronounced Labour identity, facing ongoing economic challenges amid efforts of regeneration and adaptation to post-Brexit Britain.

Brexit

Did Oldham West and Royton vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Oldham West and Royton voted to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum, citing concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and dissatisfaction with EU regulations. Many residents felt that leaving the EU would allow Britain to take back control of its borders and laws, as well as enable the country to strike its own trade deals. The result reflected a desire for change and a rejection of the status quo, mirroring sentiments seen in other parts of the country that leaned towards Brexit. Ultimately, the decision to leave the EU was a reflection of the desire for greater self-determination.