Local Politics

---

Maidstone and The Weald Constituency

Background of Maidstone and The Weald

The postcode TN12 9SR is located in Maidstone and The Weald, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Helen Grant MP of the Conservative party.

Maidstone and The Weald is a UK parliamentary constituency in Kent, encompassing the town of Maidstone and surrounding rural areas. Established in 1997, it was previously part of the Maidstone constituency. It is primarily known for being a Conservative stronghold, consistently electing Conservative MPs since its inception. The longest-serving MP was Ann Widdecombe until her retirement in 2010, succeeded by Helen Grant, also a Conservative.

The constituency has a diverse demographic profile, combining urban Maidstone with affluent villages and rural communities. This blend shapes its economic characteristics, with the service sector, retail, and public administration dominating in Maidstone, while agriculture and small businesses are prevalent in the rural parts. Maidstone functions as a significant commercial hub in Kent, hosting a mix of large companies and SMEs, contributing to generally low unemployment rates.

The electorate of Maidstone and The Weald has a population that is typically middle-class with a higher-than-average level of home ownership and education. According to the 2011 Census, the ethnic composition is predominantly White British, with small percentages of other ethnicities.

Regarding Brexit, Maidstone and The Weald voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, reflecting a broader scepticism towards the EU within rural and Conservative-leaning constituencies. Despite this, the area shows a mix of Brexit stances among constituents, fluctuating between advocating for close economic ties with the EU and supporting a more definitive break.

Maidstone and The Weald's political landscape, socio-economic attributes, and Brexit stance typify a traditional Conservative constituency in South East England.

Brexit

Did Maidstone and The Weald vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituents of Maidstone and The Weald voted to leave the EU. The reasons for this decision could be attributed to concerns about sovereignty, immigration, and a desire for greater control over laws and regulations. Many residents may have felt disconnected from the decisions made in Brussels and believed that leaving the EU would allow the UK to regain control over its own affairs. Additionally, there may have been a sense of frustration with EU bureaucracy and a desire to assert Britain's independence on the world stage.