Local Politics

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Brentwood and Ongar Constituency

Background of Brentwood and Ongar

The postcode RM4 1RR is located in Brentwood and Ongar, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Alex Burghart MP of the Conservative party.

Brentwood and Ongar is a parliamentary constituency in Essex, established in 1974. The constituency encompasses the towns of Brentwood and Chipping Ongar, alongside surrounding villages. It has a mix of suburban and rural environments, characterized by a commuter population largely working in London, reflecting its relatively high socio-economic status.

Politically, Brentwood and Ongar has been a stronghold for the Conservative Party. It was represented by Sir Eric Pickles from 1992 to 2017, who served as a cabinet minister, and by Alex Burghart since the 2017 general election. The constituency has historically shown significant Conservative support in both local and national elections, often with substantial majorities.

The constituency's demographic profile shows a predominance of middle to upper-middle-class residents, with higher than average income levels and homeownership rates. Education levels and professional employment rates are also above the national average, supported by good transport links to London, including a direct train route.

Economically, Brentwood and Ongar is relatively affluent, with low levels of unemployment and a strong presence of service industries, particularly in finance and professional services. Retail and real estate also contribute significantly to the local economy.

In the 2016 EU Referendum, Brentwood and Ongar voted to leave the European Union, reflecting the broader national trend. This result was congruent with the constituency's Conservative alignment, with Brexit positioning playing a significant role in subsequent elections.

Brentwood and Ongar presents a picture of a prosperous, predominantly Conservative constituency with strong ties to London, robust local economic conditions, and a clear stance on major national issues like Brexit.

Brexit

Did Brentwood and Ongar vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Brentwood and Ongar voted to leave the EU. Some residents in the area expressed concerns over immigration levels and a desire for greater control over their borders. Others felt that EU regulations were stifling business growth and wanted to prioritize trade deals outside of the EU. The vote to leave was seen as a way to regain sovereignty and independence, reflecting a desire for a new direction in the UK's relationship with Europe.