Local Politics

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Ashton-under-Lyne Constituency

Background of Ashton-under-Lyne

The postcode OL6 0AL is located in Ashton-under-Lyne, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Angela Rayner MP of the Labour party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne is situated in Greater Manchester and encompasses the towns of Ashton-under-Lyne, Failsworth, and Droylsden. Historically, this seat has been a Labour stronghold, having been held by the Labour Party since 1935. Its political representation has included notable figures such as David Heyes and Angela Rayner, the current Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

The constituency features a diverse demographic profile, comprising working-class communities, a mix of residential and industrial areas, and a variety of ethnic backgrounds. According to recent Census data, the population exhibits a higher-than-average proportion of residents engaged in manual or semi-skilled work, reflecting its industrial heritage. Manufacturing and retail sectors are significant employers in the region, though there has been a shift towards service-based industries over recent decades.

Economically, Ashton-under-Lyne has faced challenges typical of many former industrial heartlands, such as deindustrialisation and the need for economic diversification. Regeneration projects and investment in local infrastructure aim to revitalise the area and provide new employment opportunities.

The electorate in Ashton-under-Lyne has shown a firm commitment to the Labour Party, reflected in consistently high voter turnout for Labour candidates. In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency demonstrated a substantial vote to leave the European Union, aligning with the broader trend seen across many Labour-held areas in the North of England. Brexit sentiment in Ashton-under-Lyne underscores complex socio-economic factors, including concerns over employment and sovereignty.

Ashton-under-Lyne remains a key Labour constituency with deep-rooted community ties, facing both historical and contemporary economic challenges while navigating its post-Brexit future.

Brexit

Did Ashton-under-Lyne vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne voted in favour of leaving the EU. Some residents may have been swayed by issues such as immigration control, sovereignty, and a desire for greater independence from the EU. Others may have felt left behind by globalisation and believed that leaving the EU could potentially bring about positive change for their community. Ultimately, the decision to vote for Brexit in Ashton-under-Lyne reflected a mix of concerns and aspirations that resonated with the electorate at the time.