Local Politics

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Penistone and Stocksbridge Constituency

Background of Penistone and Stocksbridge

The postcode S30 3NX is located in Penistone and Stocksbridge, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Angela Smith MP of the Labour party.

Penistone and Stocksbridge is a parliamentary constituency located in South Yorkshire, encompassing the towns of Penistone, Stocksbridge, and parts of Sheffield. Established in 2010, it was created from portions of the former Barnsley West and Penistone, Sheffield Hillsborough, and Wentworth constituencies. Known for its semi-rural landscape, it combines residential areas with a significant amount of farmland and green spaces.

The constituency has a varied economic profile, with traditional steel and manufacturing industries supplemented by service sector jobs and small businesses. Penistone and Stocksbridge has relatively high employment rates, but there are pockets of socio-economic challenges, particularly linked to the decline of heavy industries.

Demographically, the area is predominantly white British, with a notable proportion of older residents compared to national averages. This demographic pattern tends to influence voting behaviours and political leanings within the constituency.

Politically, Penistone and Stocksbridge has seen fluctuating support between the Conservative and Labour parties. Originally considered a Labour stronghold due to its industrial heritage, the area has witnessed increasing Conservative competitiveness in recent years. In the 2019 general election, the Conservatives gained the seat with Miriam Cates defeating the incumbent Labour MP Angela Smith, reflecting broader national trends of Labour's declining influence in northern industrial constituencies.

Regarding Brexit, Penistone and Stocksbridge voted predominantly to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, aligning with much of South Yorkshire's sentiment. This pro-Brexit stance has influenced local political discourse and economic expectations, particularly concerning future trade and industry regulations.

Brexit

Did Penistone and Stocksbridge vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituency of Penistone and Stocksbridge voted to leave the EU, in line with the overall outcome of the referendum. The area, like many others in the UK, may have been influenced by concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to regain control from Brussels. The predominantly rural and older demographic in this constituency could also have been factors in their decision to support Brexit. the decision to vote leave may have been driven by a combination of economic, social, and political factors specific to the constituency.