Local Politics

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Totnes Constituency

Background of Totnes

The postcode TQ7 9AJ is located in Totnes, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Sarah Wollaston MP of the Conservative party.

The UK parliamentary constituency of Totnes comprises a largely rural area in South Devon, known for its scenic landscapes, including parts of Dartmoor National Park. The constituency has a mixed economy, traditionally based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing, with recent diversification into renewable energy and creative industries. The main urban centres are Totnes, South Brent, and Kingsbridge, which feature a blend of historic towns and coastal communities.

Politically, the constituency has been a Conservative stronghold for much of its history. Sarah Wollaston represented Totnes as a Conservative MP from 2010 until she defected to the Liberal Democrats in 2019. Prior to her tenure, the seat had consistently elected Conservative MPs, solidifying its status as a safe seat for the party. In the 2019 general election, Anthony Mangnall reclaimed the seat for the Conservatives.

Demographically, the electorate tends to skew older, with a significant proportion of retired residents. The area has a lower-than-average ethnic diversity, with a predominantly White British population. The region is characterised by relatively low population density and a higher-than-average number of owner-occupied homes.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, the Totnes constituency voted to leave the European Union, reflecting a broader trend of Euroscepticism within rural and less urbanised areas of the UK. The constituency's vote was split, with a notable proportion supporting Remain, indicative of the diversity of opinions among its electorate. The results demonstrated a complex local perspective on national issues, balanced between traditionalist and progressive viewpoints.

Brexit

Did Totnes vote for Brexit?

In the EU referendum of 2016, the constituency of Totnes voted in favour of leaving the EU. The decision could have been influenced by concerns over issues such as immigration, sovereignty, and the desire to regain control over laws and regulations. Additionally, Totnes has a history of a strong sense of independence and self-reliance, which may have played a role in their decision to vote for Brexit. the diverse range of reasons behind the vote in Totnes reflects the complexity of opinions across the UK on the issue of EU membership.