The Bassetlaw Electorate
A comprehensive analysis of the Bassetlaw parliamentary constituency, exploring its historical boundaries, demographic profile, and electoral evolution.
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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.
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.
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.
Labour | Jo White | 18,476 | 41.2 | +13.2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | Brendan Clarke-Smith | 12,708 | 28.3 | โ26.1 | |
Reform UK | Frank Ward | 9,751 | 21.7 | +10.8 | |
Liberal Democrats | Helen Tamblyn-Saville | 1,996 | 4.5 | โ2.3 | |
Green | Rachel Reeves | 1,947 | 4.3 | N/A | |
Majority | 5,768 | 12.9 | N/A | ||
Turnout | 44,878 | 57.4 | โ6.2 |
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.
Labour | Joe Ashton | 29,426 | 50.23 | โ3.46 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.
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
- A county constituency (for the purposes of election expenses and type of returning officer)
- Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs รขยย Constituencies beginning with "B" (part 1)
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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.