Local Politics

---

Blackpool South Constituency

Background of Blackpool South

The postcode FY1 5QG is located in Blackpool South, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Gordon Marsden MP of the Labour party.

Blackpool South is a parliamentary constituency in Lancashire, encompassing the southern part of the seaside town and its surrounding areas. It has been a marginal seat, reflecting varied political allegiances over recent decades. Historically, the Labour Party dominated the constituency, holding the seat from 1997 until 2019. However, in the 2019 general election, Scott Benton of the Conservative Party won, marking a significant shift in voter preference.

The constituency is noted for its mixed demographics. It combines urban areas with pockets of deprivation and a significant elderly population, alongside younger residents attracted by the town's tourism and entertainment industry. Blackpool South faces economic challenges, with higher-than-average unemployment rates and considerable reliance on seasonal tourism. The area experiences issues related to housing, health, and education, which are common in seaside towns undergoing economic transition.

The electorate in Blackpool South displays a complex voting pattern, often influenced by national trends and local concerns. The Brexit referendum in 2016 saw a significant majority of voters in Blackpool South supporting Leave, reflecting concerns over sovereignty, economic control, and immigration. This stance on Brexit played a role in the Conservative gain in 2019, aligning with broader national shifts towards the party among Leave-supporting regions.

In summary, Blackpool South is a constituency characterised by economic challenges, an ageing population, and marked political shifts, recently moving from Labour to Conservative representation. Its strong support for Brexit underscores local concerns over economic and political issues, influencing its evolving electoral landscape.

Brexit

Did Blackpool South vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Blackpool South voted to leave the EU. Residents may have chosen to vote this way due to concerns about issues such as immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to regain control over the country's laws and borders. The town's reliance on tourism and service industries could also have played a role, as some see leaving the EU as a way to potentially reduce competition from other European countries. The decision reflected a mix of economic, social, and political factors that shaped the community's views on Brexit.