Local Politics

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Stevenage Constituency

Background of Stevenage

The postcode SG1 3DB is located in Stevenage, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Stephen McPartland MP of the Conservative party.

The Stevenage parliamentary constituency is located in Hertfordshire, England, encompassing the town of Stevenage and several surrounding villages. Established in 1983, the constituency has predominantly alternated between the Conservative and Labour parties in its political history. Initially, Labour's Shirley Williams held the seat as part of the Labour-dominated neighbouring constituency of Hitchin but lost to Conservative Tim Wood in 1983 following constituency changes. Labour regained the seat in 1997 under Barbara Follett but lost it again in 2010 to Conservative Stephen McPartland, who has held it since.

Demographically, Stevenage is characterised by a diverse population with a significant proportion of families and working-age individuals. It has a higher-than-average representation of public sector workers, reflecting nearby government and health services, alongside a robust presence of private sector employment, particularly in engineering and technology industries. The town was notably one of the first New Towns developed after World War II, which has influenced its urban planning and housing sectors.

Economically, Stevenage benefits from its proximity to London, fostering commuter connections alongside local employment opportunities in sectors such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The high-tech 'Aerospace Park' is a notable economic driver in the area.

The electorate in Stevenage has shown varying political preferences over the years, with recent shifts towards Conservative support. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Stevenage voted to leave the European Union by a significant margin, reflecting a broader national trend towards euroscepticism in similar constituencies. This stance has influenced local and national political dialogue, emphasising concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and the economic impacts of EU membership.

Brexit

Did Stevenage vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Stevenage voted to leave the EU. The decision could have been influenced by concerns over immigration levels, sovereignty, and a desire to take back control of laws and regulations. Additionally, Stevenage has seen economic changes over the years, with some feeling left behind by globalization and seeking a change in direction. The vote to leave was reflective of a desire for change and a belief that leaving the EU would bring about a better future for the local community.