Local Politics

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Chippenham Constituency

Background of Chippenham

The postcode SN15 2LZ is located in Chippenham, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Michelle Donelan MP of the Conservative party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Chippenham, situated in Wiltshire, encompasses the towns of Chippenham, Melksham, Corsham, and Bradford-on-Avon. Established in its current form in 2010, the constituency has a mixed political history. Initially, it was won by the Liberal Democrats in the 2010 general election. However, since the 2015 election, the Conservative Party has held the seat, with their current MP, Michelle Donelan, serving since then.

The constituency is predominantly rural with a blend of market towns. It supports a diverse economic base, with key sectors including agriculture, local commerce, and manufacturing. The presence of technology businesses and proximity to larger commercial hubs provide wider employment opportunities. The area has relatively low unemployment rates and generally leans towards middle and working-class demographics, with a significant proportion of residents in professional occupations.

The electorate of Chippenham is relatively stable, with approximately 80,000 registered voters. Voter turnout has historically been around the national average, indicative of moderately engaged citizenry in political processes.

Chippenham’s stance on Brexit reflected wider national divisions. In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency did not release specific local results, but estimates suggest a fair split between Leave and Remain, albeit leaning slightly towards Leave, in line with the overall Wiltshire vote. Post-Brexit, local political debate has focused on the implications for local industry and agriculture, as well as broader economic impacts.

Chippenham is characterised by its blend of traditional rural settings and modern economic activity, with a constituents' voting pattern that reflects a moderate to slightly conservative political leaning.

Brexit

Did Chippenham vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Chippenham in the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016. The decision to vote for Brexit could have been driven by a desire for greater control over immigration, sovereignty, and to prioritize British laws over EU regulations. Some residents may have also felt that leaving the EU would enable the UK to negotiate its own trade deals and make independent decisions on key issues. Economic concerns, such as the impact of EU membership on local industries, may have also played a role in influencing the outcome of the vote in Chippenham.