Local Politics

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Sittingbourne and Sheppey Constituency

Background of Sittingbourne and Sheppey

The postcode ME10 1AE is located in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Gordon Henderson MP of the Conservative party.

The parliamentary constituency of Sittingbourne and Sheppey, located in Kent, was created for the 1997 general election. It encompasses the towns of Sittingbourne and Sheerness, as well as a number of smaller villages on the Isle of Sheppey. Historically, the seat has seen a mixture of political representation. Initially held by Labour, the constituency experienced a significant shift towards the Conservative Party, with Gordon Henderson currently serving as its MP since 2010.

Demographically, Sittingbourne and Sheppey exhibit a blend of urban and rural characteristics, with Sittingbourne being more industrial and economically dynamic compared to the more rural Sheppey. The area has a diverse population, with noticeable working-class demographics, particularly associated with manufacturing, port activities, and agriculture.

Economically, Sittingbourne is seen as an expanding area with significant retail developments and industrial estates contributing to local employment. Conversely, parts of Sheppey face greater economic challenges, with some areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation and unemployment.

The electorate of Sittingbourne and Sheppey has been steadily growing, reflecting national trends, and the constituency had a registered voter population of over 71,000 in recent elections. Its voting patterns exhibit a strong Eurosceptic sentiment, which was evident during the Brexit referendum in 2016 where a substantial majority voted to leave the European Union.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey is characterised by its economic diversity, historical shifts in political allegiance, and its clear pro-Brexit stance, reflecting broader national trends within similar constituencies in the South East of England.

Brexit

Did Sittingbourne and Sheppey vote for Brexit?

The constituency of Sittingbourne and Sheppey voted to leave the EU in 2016. Many residents in this area felt disillusioned with the political establishment and believed that leaving the EU would allow for more control over immigration and trade policies. Concerns about job security and the strain on public services also played a significant role in shaping the decision to vote leave. The sense of wanting to regain sovereignty and independence were strong driving factors behind the choice to Brexit in this community.