Local Politics

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Wigan Constituency

Background of Wigan

The postcode WN1 2PG is located in Wigan, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Lisa Nandy MP of the Labour party.

Wigan is a parliamentary constituency located in Greater Manchester, established in 1885. Historically, Wigan has been a Labour stronghold, consistently electing Labour MPs since 1918. It is considered one of the party's safest seats, reflecting the area's industrial heritage and strong working-class roots.

Demographically, Wigan is predominantly white British, with a diverse age range. The constituency has a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, and key towns include Wigan itself and surrounding communities. The population historically relied on coal mining and manufacturing industries; however, in recent years, the local economy has diversified into sectors such as retail, healthcare, and public services.

Economically, Wigan faces challenges common to post-industrial regions, including pockets of deprivation and lower-than-average incomes compared to the national average. Despite these challenges, efforts to revitalise the town centre and investment in infrastructure projects are ongoing, aiming to boost economic prospects and employment opportunities.

The electorate in Wigan has shown consistent support for Labour policies, with little fluctuation in voting patterns. However, the 2019 election saw Labour's vote share decrease modestly amid broader national trends. Current MP Lisa Nandy retains a strong local presence, focusing on bringing investment and regeneration to the area.

Regarding Brexit, Wigan voted decisively to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, with 64% opting for Brexit. This aligns with broader trends in similar constituencies in northern England, where there was significant support for leaving the EU, influenced by concerns over sovereignty, immigration, and economic opportunities.

In summary, Wigan is a long-standing Labour constituency with deep-rooted industrial heritage and a predominantly working-class demographic. The area is undergoing economic transition, with ongoing investments aimed at improving local infrastructure and employment opportunities amidst a strong local and national political identity.

Brexit

Did Wigan vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Wigan in the UK voted decisively in favour of Brexit. Some suggested reasons for this choice include concerns over the impact of EU regulations on local industries, a desire to reclaim national sovereignty, and a response to the perceived lack of control over immigration policies. Additionally, the area has a long history of working-class roots and a strong sense of community, which may have influenced voters to opt for Brexit as a way to address economic and social challenges facing their region.