Local Politics

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Devizes Constituency

Background of Devizes

The postcode SN8 2PF is located in Devizes, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Claire Perry MP of the Conservative party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Devizes is located in Wiltshire, forming part of the South West England region. Established in 1885, it has predominantly been a Conservative stronghold, reflecting its largely rural and semi-urban demographic profile. The constituency includes the towns of Devizes, Marlborough, and Tidworth, and encompasses several villages and small communities.

Historically, Devizes has favoured Conservative candidates, with the party retaining the seat since 1924, barring a brief period of Liberal control in the early 20th century. The current Member of Parliament is Danny Kruger, who succeeded Claire Perry in the 2019 general election.

Economically, Devizes exhibits a mix of agricultural activities, local businesses, and in recent years, a growing commuter population drawn to nearby urban centres like Swindon and Salisbury. Additionally, the presence of significant military installations, particularly around Tidworth, contributes to local employment and economic stability.

The electorate in Devizes is generally characterised by higher-than-average income levels and lower rates of unemployment compared to national figures. Educational attainment is relatively high, reflecting a generally well-informed and engaged voter base.

In terms of Brexit, Devizes voters predominantly supported leaving the European Union. The constituency voted overwhelmingly in favour of Brexit during the 2016 referendum, aligning with the broader inclinations of many rural and semi-urban areas in the UK. This preference has influenced both local sentiment and political discourse, reinforcing the constituency's alignment with Conservative priorities, particularly regarding national sovereignty and immigration control.

Devizes is a constituency marked by its Conservative alignment, stable economic backdrop, and clear Brexit stance, contributing to its consistent electoral patterns.

Brexit

Did Devizes vote for Brexit?

Devizes constituency voted to leave the EU in 2016, reflecting widespread concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and the perceived loss of control to Brussels. Many residents felt disenfranchised by the political elite and saw Brexit as a way to reclaim power and decision-making from the EU. The farming community in particular, which forms a significant part of the local economy, was attracted by the promise of greater autonomy over agricultural policies. Despite the constituency's historical ties to the Conservative party, a significant portion of voters were swayed by the Leave campaign's message of independence and self-determination.