Local Politics

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Preston Constituency

Background of Preston

The postcode PR2 2QB is located in Preston, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Mark Hendrick MP of the Labour/Co-operative party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Preston is situated in Lancashire, encompassing the city and surrounding suburban areas. Established in its current form in 1983, Preston has returned MPs from both the Labour and Conservative parties, though it has predominantly favoured Labour in recent decades. Since 2000, the seat has been held by Labour MP Mark Hendrick, who has consistently defended the seat with comfortable majorities.

Preston is characterised by a diverse population, with significant numbers of students, owing to the presence of the University of Central Lancashire. The city's demographic includes a mix of ethnicities and a relatively young average age. Economically, Preston has moved from its historical roots in textiles and manufacturing to a more service-oriented economy, with notable employment in retail, education, and public administration sectors. The presence of the University and a large hospital also contribute significantly to local employment.

The electorate of Preston, as of the latest figures, consists of around 70,000 registered voters, demonstrating active political engagement. In the 2016 EU referendum, Preston voted to leave the European Union, reflecting a marginally higher Leave vote compared to the national average. This outcome mirrors the broader regional sentiments in the North West of England, which also leaned towards Brexit.

Preston remains a constituency with a dynamic and evolving economic base, and a politically active population that has shown significant Labour leanings, while also expressing clear opinions on national issues such as Brexit.

Brexit

Did Preston vote for Brexit?

Preston voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. Despite being a traditionally Labour stronghold, many residents in Preston felt disconnected from the EU institutions, viewing them as distant and unaccountable. Concerns over immigration and a desire for more control over UK laws and borders also played a significant role in influencing voters' decisions. Some locals saw Brexit as an opportunity to regain sovereignty and address economic inequalities within their community. The result reflected a widespread sentiment of frustration with the status quo and a desire for change among the people of Preston.