This analysis is derived from the Wikipedia article on the Bassetlaw UK Parliament constituency. View original source. (opens in new tab)

The Bassetlaw Electorate

A comprehensive analysis of the Bassetlaw parliamentary constituency, exploring its historical boundaries, demographic profile, and electoral evolution.

Constituency Profile โ„น๏ธ Electoral Data ๐Ÿ“Š

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Constituency Profile

Geographical Context

The Bassetlaw constituency encompasses the northern region of Nottinghamshire, England. It is predominantly a rural area, punctuated by the significant market towns of Worksop and Retford. The constituency shares its name with the Bassetlaw District local government area. Historically, parts of this region have been associated with coal mining activities.

Socio-Economic Indicators

Analysis of demographic data indicates that the residents within the Bassetlaw constituency generally exhibit health and economic indicators that are slightly below the national average for the United Kingdom. This suggests a need for targeted regional development and support initiatives.

Electorate Overview

As of the latest available data (2023), the Bassetlaw constituency has an electorate of 75,773 registered voters. The population census in 2011 recorded a total population of 123,808, providing context for the electoral base.

Constituency Boundaries

Historical Delineation

Established in 1885 under the Redistribution of Seats Act, the Bassetlaw constituency has undergone several boundary revisions. Initially, it comprised the borough of East Retford and specific areas within the Retford and Worksop petty sessional divisions. Subsequent adjustments in 1918 and 1950 redefined its scope, incorporating or excluding specific urban and rural districts and civil parishes, reflecting demographic shifts and administrative changes.

Key historical boundary adjustments include:

  • 1918: Redefined to include specific Urban and Rural Districts following an increase in Nottinghamshire's parliamentary divisions.
  • 1950: Further adjustments based on local government changes, defining the constituency by Municipal Boroughs and Rural Districts.
  • 1955: The Urban District of Warsop was transferred to the Mansfield constituency.
  • 1983: Significant changes occurred, with East Retford transferring to Newark, and the constituency incorporating areas from both Bassetlaw and Mansfield districts.
  • 2010: The two Mansfield District wards (Warsop area) were returned to Mansfield, while the town of Retford was reincorporated from Newark.

Current Configuration (Post-2024)

Following the 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies, the Bassetlaw constituency's boundaries were updated effective for the 2024 general election. The current configuration comprises 20 electoral wards from the Bassetlaw District Council. Notably, the wards of Clayworth and Sturton were transferred to the Newark constituency.

The 20 wards comprising the Bassetlaw constituency (effective 2024) are:

  • Beckingham
  • Blyth
  • Carlton
  • East Retford East
  • East Retford North
  • East Retford South
  • East Retford West
  • Everton
  • Harworth
  • Langold
  • Misterton
  • Ranskill
  • Sutton
  • Welbeck
  • Worksop East
  • Worksop North
  • Worksop North East
  • Worksop North West
  • Worksop South
  • Worksop South East

Historical Overview

Genesis and Evolution

The Bassetlaw constituency was formally created in 1885. Its political landscape has historically been dominated by the Labour Party, which held the seat continuously from 1935 until 2019. This period solidified Bassetlaw's reputation as part of the traditional "red wall" political geography.

Political Shifts

A significant political shift occurred in the 2019 general election, where the Conservative Party gained the seat with a substantial swing, reflecting broader national trends. Subsequently, in the 2024 general election, the seat returned to Labour representation, indicating a dynamic electoral environment.

Notable Representatives

The constituency has been represented by several notable figures, including Malcolm MacDonald, who controversially joined the National Government in the 1930s. Later, Joe Ashton and John Mann served lengthy terms, with Mann becoming a prominent voice before his appointment to the House of Lords.

Electoral Dynamics

The electoral history of Bassetlaw reveals a long-standing Labour stronghold, significantly challenged in recent years. The following tables provide a detailed overview of election results, highlighting key contests and shifts in voter preference.

Recent Results

The 2024 general election saw a Labour gain, with Jo White securing the seat. This marked a return to Labour after the Conservative hold established in 2019.

2024 General Election: Bassetlaw
Labour Jo White 18,476 41.2 +13.2
Conservative Brendan Clarke-Smith 12,708 28.3 โ€“26.1
Reform UK Frank Ward 9,751 21.7 +10.8
Liberal Democrats Helen Tamblyn-Saville 1,996 4.5 โ€“2.3
Green Rachel Reeves 1,947 4.3 N/A
Majority 5,768 12.9 N/A
Turnout 44,878 57.4 โ€“6.2
2019 General Election: Bassetlaw
Conservative Brendan Clarke-Smith 28,078 55.2 +11.9
Labour Keir Morrison 14,065 27.7 โ€“24.9
Brexit Party Debbie Soloman 5,366 10.6 New
Liberal Democrats Helen Tamblyn-Saville 3,332 6.6 +4.4
Majority 14,013 27.5 N/A
Turnout 50,841 63.5 โ€“3.0

Labour's Grip

The 1979 election illustrates the constituency's strong Labour affiliation prior to recent shifts. Joe Ashton secured a significant majority, reflecting the party's established dominance in the area during that period.

1979 General Election: Bassetlaw
Labour Joe Ashton 29,426 50.23 โ€“3.46
Conservative D K Harris 22,247 37.97 +7.07
Liberal A Wilkinson 6,913 11.80 +2.85
Majority 7,179 12.26 +10.53
Turnout 58,586 79.42
1997 General Election: Bassetlaw
Labour Joe Ashton 29,298 61.1 +7.7
Conservative Martyn Cleasby 11,838 24.7 โ€“10.3
Liberal Democrats Mike Kerringan 4,950 10.3 โ€“1.3
Referendum Roy Graham 1,838 3.8 New
Majority 17,460 36.4 +18.0
Turnout 47,924 70.4 โ€“9.0

Foundation Era

The inaugural general election for the Bassetlaw constituency in 1885 saw the Conservative candidate, William Beckett-Denison, secure the seat. This established the initial political alignment of the constituency.

1885 General Election: Bassetlaw
Conservative William Beckett-Denison 4,367 51.7
Liberal Francis Foljambe 4,072 48.3
Majority 295 3.4
Turnout 8,439 89.0

Members of Parliament

The following table lists the Members of Parliament (MPs) who have represented Bassetlaw since its inception, detailing their party affiliation and the election periods.

Election Member Party
1885 William Beckett-Denison Conservative
1890 by-election Sir Frederick Milner, 7th Baronet Conservative
1906 Sir Frank Newnes, 2nd Baronet Liberal
Jan 1910 Sir Ellis Hume-Williams, 1st Baronet Conservative
1929 Malcolm MacDonald Labour
1931 National Labour
1935 Frederick Bellenger Labour
1968 by-election Joe Ashton Labour
2001 John Mann Labour
2019 Brendan Clarke-Smith Conservative
2024 Jo White Labour

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References

References

  1.  A county constituency (for the purposes of election expenses and type of returning officer)
  2.  Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs รขย€ย“ Constituencies beginning with "B" (part 1)
A full list of references for this article are available at the Bassetlaw (UK Parliament constituency) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Political Data

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided data, the information presented herein is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

This is not political advice. The content does not constitute professional political analysis, electoral strategy, or guidance. Users should consult official electoral commission data, academic research, and qualified political analysts for definitive information and advice. Historical data may not fully represent current political sentiments or future outcomes.

The creators of this page assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with primary sources.