Local Politics

---

New Forest East Constituency

Background of New Forest East

The postcode SO40 2LX is located in New Forest East, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Julian Lewis MP of the Conservative party.

New Forest East is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Hampshire, established in 1997 following the division of the former New Forest constituency. It primarily comprises the towns of Totton and Fawley, along with parts of the New Forest National Park.

Politically, New Forest East has consistently elected Conservative MPs since its inception. The current MP, Dr Julian Lewis, has represented the constituency since 1997. The area's voting history reflects a strong Conservative presence, with a significant majority in recent elections.

Demographically, New Forest East features a predominantly white population, with a higher proportion of older residents compared to the national average. The constituency offers a mixture of suburban and rural living environments. The New Forest National Park is a notable feature of the area, attracting both residents and tourists with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Economically, New Forest East has a diverse profile. Totton and Fawley have industrial and commercial sectors, with Fawley being home to one of the largest oil refineries in Europe. The New Forest area, on the other hand, supports a range of small businesses, agriculture, and tourism-related enterprises.

The constituency has a mixed economic base, with residents employed across varied sectors, including manufacturing, service industries, and public services.

In terms of Brexit, New Forest East showed a majority preference to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, reflecting a wider trend seen in many parts of the UK. This Brexit stance has influenced local and national political discourse, with constituents generally supportive of the Conservative Party's policies regarding EU withdrawal and subsequent trade negotiations.

New Forest East is a Conservative stronghold with a diverse socio-economic profile and a preference for Brexit, situated within an area known for its natural beauty and economic variety.

Brexit

Did New Forest East vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituency of New Forest East decided to vote in favor of Brexit. The residents may have been influenced by concerns over immigration, desire for more control over laws and regulations, and a sense of nationalism. Many voters in the area felt left behind by the establishment and saw leaving the EU as a way to shake things up and regain sovereignty. The rural nature of the constituency also played a role, with some feeling that EU policies were detrimental to British agriculture and fishing industries.