Local Politics

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Twickenham Constituency

Background of Twickenham

The postcode TW1 2QB is located in Twickenham, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Vincent Cable MP of the Liberal Democrat party.

Twickenham is a parliamentary constituency located in south-west London, encompassing the suburban areas of Twickenham, Teddington, St Margarets, and parts of Whitton. Established in 1918, the seat has witnessed notable shifts in political allegiances over the years, although it has traditionally been a battleground between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party.

The constituency has a diverse demographic profile, characterised by a mix of families, professionals, and a significant student population, partly due to the presence of St Mary’s University. The area is predominantly affluent, with higher-than-average property prices and a well-educated populace. Local employment is primarily centred around professional services, education, and retail, while Twickenham also benefits from its proximity to central London and excellent transport links.

In terms of political history, Twickenham was a Conservative stronghold for much of the 20th century, but the Liberal Democrats gained prominence here in the early 2000s. Vince Cable, a prominent Liberal Democrat, held the seat from 1997 until 2015 and then again from 2017 to 2019, emphasizing the area's volatile electoral dynamics.

Regarding Brexit, Twickenham demonstrated a strong pro-Remain stance in the 2016 EU referendum, contrasting with the national result. The constituency voted predominantly to stay in the European Union, reflecting its cosmopolitan student demographic and its liberal-leaning electorate.

Twickenham’s electorate is informed and engaged, with local issues often centring around education, transport, and development. Politically dynamic, the constituency continues to be a key focus during general elections and remains indicative of broader electoral trends in suburban London.

Brexit

Did Twickenham vote for Brexit?

Twickenham constituency voted to leave the EU in 2016, defying the national trend. Some residents expressed concerns over sovereignty, wanting to reclaim control from Brussels. Others felt that immigration had put pressure on local services, and leaving the EU would allow the UK to implement stricter border controls. Additionally, some voters were disillusioned with the way the EU was being run, believing that their voice was not being heard within the union. These diverse reasons contributed to the surprising Brexit vote in Twickenham, highlighting the complexity of opinions within the constituency.