Local Politics

---

Sunderland Central Constituency

Background of Sunderland Central

The postcode SR2 7JP is located in Sunderland Central, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Julie Elliott MP of the Labour party.

Sunderland Central is a UK parliamentary constituency in the City of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Established in 2010, it amalgamated parts of the former Sunderland North and Sunderland South constituencies. The seat has been represented by Labour MP Julie Elliott since its creation. Historically, the area was dominated by Labour, reflecting its industrial past and working-class demographic.

Sunderland Central spans urban and suburban areas, encompassing the city centre, residential districts, and university locales. The economic fabric of the constituency is diverse, including education, public services, retail, and a significant presence of the automotive industry, notably the Nissan manufacturing plant on its periphery. Industrial decline has influenced socio-economic challenges, and regeneration initiatives have been focal points for local governance.

Demographically, Sunderland Central exhibits characteristics typical of post-industrial northern cities. It has a mixture of age groups with relatively fewer residents in higher-income brackets compared to southern constituencies. Households here experience a balance between homeownership and social housing.

In electoral terms, Sunderland Central has displayed consistent Labour support, though recent elections have seen increased competition from Conservative and other parties, following national trends of political volatility. The 2019 general election, part of a broader national swing, saw Labour's majority reduced.

Regarding Brexit, Sunderland Central and surrounding areas are notably Eurosceptic, evidenced by the substantial 'Leave' vote in the 2016 referendum. This sentiment reflects wider regional attitudes influenced by socio-economic factors, resulting in a strong preference for Brexit-related policies in subsequent local and national political discourse.

Brexit

Did Sunderland Central vote for Brexit?

Sunderland Central, an area with a strong industrial history, voted in favor of Brexit in 2016. Many residents here felt left behind by globalization and the EU, with concerns about job losses and declining industries. The promise of taking back control of borders and laws resonated with those who wanted to regain a sense of sovereignty. Additionally, some voters were swayed by the Leave campaign's messages on reducing immigration levels and reclaiming decision-making power from Brussels. These factors combined to lead the people of Sunderland Central to opt for Brexit in the referendum.