Local Politics

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South East Cornwall Constituency

Background of South East Cornwall

The postcode PL14 3LD is located in South East Cornwall, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Sheryll Murray MP of the Conservative party.

South East Cornwall is a UK parliamentary constituency located in the ceremonial county of Cornwall. Established in 1983, it has traditionally been a Conservative Party stronghold, with the Tories holding the seat for the majority of its history, aside from a brief period of representation by the Liberal Democrats between 1997 and 2010. The current MP, as of the most recent election, is Sheryll Murray, a member of the Conservative Party.

The demographics of South East Cornwall reflect a predominantly rural population, spread across a mixture of small towns, villages, and agricultural land. The constituency includes the towns of Liskeard, Looe, and Torpoint. The area is characterised by a significant proportion of older residents, with a notable prevalence of retirees, which can influence local political and social priorities.

Economically, South East Cornwall relies heavily on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and small-scale fishing. The scenic coastline and picturesque towns make it a popular destination for holidaymakers, which boosts the local economy but also raises issues related to seasonal unemployment and housing affordability. Traditional industries have seen a decline, but local initiatives aim to bolster economic resilience through diversification and sustainability.

The electorate of South East Cornwall has demonstrated a clear preference for Conservative policies in general elections. In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency voted decisively to leave the European Union, reflecting a significant Eurosceptic sentiment among the electorate. This result aligns with broader national trends in rural and coastal areas at the time.

South East Cornwall is a constituency with a stable Conservative presence, an older demographic profile, and an economy deeply tied to its natural geography and seasonal tourism.

Brexit

Did South East Cornwall vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of South East Cornwall voted in favour of Brexit. Many locals were swayed by concerns over immigration, sovereignty and wanting to regain control from the EU. As a region heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, some residents felt that leaving the EU could potentially bring about new trade opportunities and protect their industries. Additionally, there was a general sentiment of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for change, which ultimately led to the majority of voters in South East Cornwall opting to leave the European Union.