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South Norfolk: A Chronicle of Representation

Tracing the electoral history and parliamentary evolution of a key English constituency.

Constituency Profile โ„น๏ธ View Election Results ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ

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Constituency Profile

Geographic Overview

South Norfolk is characterized as a predominantly rural constituency situated south of Norwich. It encompasses several small market towns and numerous villages, reflecting a landscape shaped by agriculture and community life.[2]

Socio-Economic Context

The demographic and economic profile of South Norfolk aligns closely with the national average for the United Kingdom. Indicators of residents' health and wealth are generally comparable to the UK's overall statistics.[3]

Parliamentary Status

Designated as a county constituency, South Norfolk elects representatives to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. Since the 2024 general election, the constituency has been represented by Ben Goldsborough of the Labour Party.[n 1]

Historical Context

Origins and Early Reforms

The constituency's origins trace back to the Reform Act 1832, which initially divided the historic county of Norfolk into two two-member divisions: East Norfolk and West Norfolk. A subsequent major reform, the Reform Act 1867, led to a further redistribution effective from the 1868 general election. This reform established three two-member county divisions, including the South Norfolk constituency, alongside North Norfolk and a modified Western division.[n 1] The initial place of election for South Norfolk was Norwich, mirroring the abolished Eastern division.[n 2]

The 1885 Redistribution

The Redistribution of Seats Act 1885 marked a significant shift towards single-member constituencies and greater electoral equality. In Norfolk, the three two-member divisions were replaced by six single-member seats. South Norfolk was redefined, alongside revived or newly created constituencies such as East Norfolk, Mid Norfolk, North Norfolk, North West Norfolk, and South West Norfolk.[6] The constituency at this time was noted for its agricultural character, with Diss being its largest town, having a population under 4,000 in 1900.[citation needed]

Boundary Evolution

1868โ€“1885

The constituency comprised the Hundreds of Walsham, Blofield, Henstead, Humbleyard, Loddon, Clavering, Diss, Deepwade, Earsham, Guiltcross, Shropham, Taverham, Forhoe, and Mitford. It was largely formed from southern portions of the abolished Eastern Division, with a minor area transferred from the Western Division.[4][5]

1885โ€“1918

Following the 1885 Act, the constituency was redefined to include the Sessional Divisions of Depwade, Diss, Earsham, Loddon and Clavering, and Swainsthorpe. Northern areas were transferred to the re-established Eastern Division, and western parts to the new Mid Division.[6]

1918โ€“1950

This period saw the inclusion of the Municipal Borough of Diss, the Rural Districts of Depwade, Forehoe, Henstead, and Wayland, and a portion of the Rural District of Thetford. It gained areas from the abolished Mid Division and a small part of the South-Western Division, while losing eastern areas (Loddon and Clavering Rural District) to the Eastern Division.[7]

1950โ€“1974

The constituency incorporated the Municipal Borough of Thetford, the Urban Districts of Diss and Wymondham, and the Rural Districts of Depwade, Loddon, and Wayland. This configuration resulted in a somewhat more urbanized constituency, regaining areas previously lost and incorporating Thetford from South West Norfolk.[7]

1974โ€“1983

The constituency included the Municipal Borough of Thetford, the Urban Districts of Diss and Wymondham, and the Rural Districts of Depwade, Forehoe and Henstead, Loddon, and Wayland. It regained the Rural District of Forehoe and Henstead, including Costessey, following the abolition of the Central Norfolk constituency.[7]

1983โ€“1997

The constituency was defined by the District of South Norfolk. Thetford and the former Rural District of Wayland (including Attleborough) were transferred to the redrawn South West Norfolk constituency.[8]

1997โ€“2010

This period saw the District of South Norfolk included, with the exception of the Cringleford and Colney wards, and New Costessey, which were transferred to Norwich South.[9]

2010โ€“2024

The constituency comprised specific wards within the District of South Norfolk. Cringleford and Colney wards were returned from Norwich South, while seven wards, including Wymondham and its environs, were transferred to Mid Norfolk.[10]

Current (Post-2024 Review)

Following the 2023 Periodic Review, the constituency's composition was significantly altered. Areas north of the River Waveney, including Diss and Harleston, were incorporated into the new Waveney Valley constituency. Wymondham was regained from Mid Norfolk, with other minor adjustments due to ward boundary revisions.[11] The current map reflects these changes, effective from the 2024 general election.[11]

Members of Parliament

1868โ€“1885 (Two Seats)

During this period, South Norfolk returned two Members of Parliament.

Election First Member Party Second Member Party
1868 Clare Sewell Read Conservative Edward Howes Conservative
1871 Clare Sewell Read Conservative Sir Robert Buxton, Bt Conservative
1880 Robert Gurdon Liberal Sir Robert Buxton, Bt Conservative
1885 Representation reduced to one member

MPs Since 1885 (One Seat)

The constituency has returned a single Member of Parliament since the 1885 redistribution.

Arthur Soames
Arthur Soames
William Cozens-Hardy
William Cozens-Hardy
Election Member Party
1885 Francis Taylor Liberal
1886 Francis Taylor Liberal Unionist
1898 by-election Arthur Soames Liberal
1918 William Cozens-Hardy a Liberal
1919 Coalition Liberal
1920 by-election George Edwards Labour
1922 Thomas Hay Conservative
1923 George Edwards Labour
1924 James Christie Conservative
1945 Christopher Mayhew Labour
1950 Peter Baker b Conservative
1955 by-election Conservative
Feb 1974 John MacGregor Conservative
2001 Richard Bacon Conservative
2024 Ben Goldsborough Labour

a Cozens-Hardy stood in 1918 without the Coalition "coupon" but accepted the Coalition Liberal whip in 1919.
b Baker was expelled from the House of Commons in 1954 following a conviction for fraud and related offenses.

Electoral History

The following tables detail the electoral results for the South Norfolk constituency across various general elections.

South Norfolk Election Results 1900-2024
Election results 1900โ€“2024

2024 General Election

General election 2024: South Norfolk[13]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Labour Ben Goldsborough 17,353 35.0 +11.6
Conservative Poppy Simister-Thomas 14,527 29.3 โˆ’27.2
Reform UK Chris Harrison 7,583 15.3 N/A
Liberal Democrats Christopher Brown 5,746 11.6 โˆ’5.4
Green Catherine Rowett 3,987 8.0 +4.8
Independent Paco Davila 254 0.5 N/A
SDP Jason Maguire 129 0.3 N/A
Majority 2,826 5.7 N/A
Turnout 49,579 66.9 โˆ’7.4
Registered electors 74,135
Labour gain from Conservative Swing +19.4

2019 General Election

General election 2019: South Norfolk[15]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Richard Bacon 36,258 58.0 โˆ’0.2
Labour Beth Jones 14,983 24.0 โˆ’6.9
Liberal Democrats Christopher Brown 8,744 14.0 +5.7
Green Ben Price 2,499 4.0 +1.5
Majority 21,275 34.0 +6.7
Turnout 62,484 74.3 โˆ’1.1
Conservative hold Swing +3.4

2017 General Election

General election 2017: South Norfolk[16]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Richard Bacon 35,580 58.2 +3.9
Labour Danielle Glavin 18,902 30.9 +12.5
Liberal Democrats Christopher Brown 5,074 8.3 +0.1
Green Catherine Rowett 1,555 2.5 โˆ’2.9
Majority 16,678 27.3 โˆ’8.6
Turnout 61,111 73.6 +1.2
Conservative hold Swing โˆ’4.3

2015 General Election

General election 2015: South Norfolk[17][18]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Richard Bacon 30,995 54.3 +5.0
Labour Deborah Sacks[19] 10,502 18.4 +5.2
UKIP Barry Cameron[20] 7,847 13.7 +9.5
Liberal Democrats Jacky Howe[19] 4,689 8.2 โˆ’21.2
Green Catherine Rowett[21] 3,090 5.4 +3.6
Majority 20,493 35.9 +16.0
Turnout 57,123 72.4 +0.2
Conservative hold Swing +3.3

2010 General Election

General election 2010: South Norfolk[22]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Richard Bacon 27,133 49.3 +4.6
Liberal Democrats Jacky Howe 16,193 29.4 โˆ’0.4
Labour Mick Castle 7,252 13.2 โˆ’9.3
UKIP Evan Heasley 2,329 4.2 +1.4
BNP Helen Mitchell 1,086 2.0 N/A
Green Jo Willcott 1,000 1.8 N/A
Majority 10,940 19.9 +5.0
Turnout 54,993 72.2 +3.1
Conservative hold Swing +3.3

1997 General Election

General election 1997: South Norfolk[9]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John MacGregor 24,935 40.2 โˆ’12.4
Liberal Democrats Barbara Hacker 17,557 28.3 +1.3
Labour Jane Ross 16,188 26.1 +8.0
Referendum Patricia Bateson 2,533 4.1 N/A
Green Stephanie Ross-Wagenknecht 484 0.8 โˆ’0.2
UKIP Anthony Boddy 400 0.6 N/A
Majority 7,378 11.9 โˆ’13.7
Turnout 62,097 78.4 โˆ’5.6
Conservative hold Swing โˆ’6.8

1992 General Election

General election 1992: South Norfolk[23]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John MacGregor 36,081 52.6 โˆ’0.8
Liberal Democrats Christopher Brocklebank-Fowler 18,516 27.0 โˆ’6.9
Labour CJ Needle 12,422 18.1 +5.4
Green S Ross-Wagenknecht 702 1.0 N/A
Natural Law N Clark 320 0.5 N/A
Independent R Peacock 304 0.4 N/A
Majority 17,565 25.6 +6.1
Turnout 68,577 84.0 +3.0
Conservative hold Swing +3.0

1987 General Election

General election 1987: South Norfolk[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John MacGregor 33,912 53.4 โˆ’0.8
Liberal Richard Carden 21,494 33.9 +1.1
Labour Lloyd Addison 8,047 12.7 โˆ’0.3
Majority 12,418 19.5 โˆ’1.9
Turnout 63,453 81.0 +3.8
Conservative hold Swing โˆ’0.9

1979 General Election

General election 1979: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John MacGregor 42,792 54.5 +9.0
Labour PJ Davies 23,755 30.2 โˆ’2.6
Liberal J Bristol 11,990 15.3 โˆ’5.9
Majority 19,037 24.3 +11.6
Turnout 78,537 78.4 +2.2
Conservative hold Swing +5.8

October 1974 General Election

General election October 1974: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John MacGregor 31,478 45.5 +1.2
Labour Hugh Gray 22,713 32.8 +3.2
Liberal M Scott 14,687 21.2 โˆ’4.4
United Democratic Party CC Fairhead 337 0.5 ยฑ0.0
Majority 8,765 12.7 โˆ’2.0
Turnout 69,195 76.20 โˆ’6.59
Conservative hold Swing โˆ’1.0

1970 General Election

General election 1970: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John Hill 22,614 51.9 +7.1
Labour Cyril Shaw 17,172 39.4 โˆ’5.1
Liberal Basil Goldstone 3,811 8.7 โˆ’2.1
Majority 5,442 12.5 +12.2
Turnout 43,597 78.50 โˆ’2.90
Conservative hold Swing

1959 General Election

General election 1959: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John Hill 19,275 53.8 +1.7
Labour John MacLennan Stewart 16,542 46.2 โˆ’1.7
Majority 2,733 7.6 +3.4
Turnout 35,817 82.4 +0.6
Conservative hold Swing +1.7

1955 General Election

General election 1955: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative John Hill 18,690 52.1 โˆ’2.4
Labour John MacLennan Stewart 17,215 47.9 +2.4
Majority 1,475 4.2 โˆ’4.8
Turnout 35,905 81.8 โˆ’0.6
Conservative hold Swing +0.6

1951 General Election

General election 1951: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Peter Baker 19,610 54.5 +4.0
Labour Lynton Scutts 16,371 45.5 +1.8
Majority 3,239 9.0 +3.2
Turnout 35,981 82.4 โˆ’1.2
Conservative gain from Labour Swing +1.1

1950 General Election

General election 1950: South Norfolk[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative Peter Baker 18,143 50.5 +18.0
Labour Christopher Mayhew 15,714 43.7 โˆ’6.6
Liberal George Q Bryant 2,097 5.8 N/A
Majority 2,429 6.8 N/A
Turnout 35,954 83.6 +24.6
Conservative gain from Labour Swing +12.3

1945 General Election

General election 1945: Norfolk Southern[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Labour Christopher Mayhew 16,825 50.3 +8.2
Conservative John Sandeman Allen 10,862 32.5 โˆ’25.4
Ind. Conservative John Holt Wilson 5,761 17.2 N/A
Majority 5,963 17.8 N/A
Turnout 33,448 69.0 โˆ’4.5
Labour gain from Conservative Swing +16.8

1935 General Election

General election 1935: Norfolk Southern[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative James Christie 18,420 57.9 โˆ’7.6
Labour Colin Clark 13,409 42.1 +7.6
Majority 5,011 15.8 โˆ’15.2
Turnout 31,829 73.5 โˆ’4.3
Conservative hold Swing โˆ’7.6

1931 General Election

General election 1931: Norfolk Southern[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Conservative James Christie 21,195 65.5 +23.5
Labour Edwin Gooch 11,148 34.5 ยฑ0.0
Majority 10,047 31.0 +23.5
Turnout 32,343 77.8 +1.8
Conservative hold Swing +11.8

1929 General Election

General election 1929: Norfolk South[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Unionist James Christie 12,978 42.0 โˆ’13.5
Labour George Edwards 10,686 34.5 โˆ’10.0
Liberal Ieuan Watkins-Evans 7,268 23.5 N/A
Majority 2,292 7.5 โˆ’3.5
Turnout 30,932 76.0 โˆ’0.5
Unionist hold Swing โˆ’1.7

1924 General Election

General election 1924: Norfolk South[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Unionist James Christie 14,189 55.5 +7.4
Labour George Edwards 11,376 44.5 โˆ’7.4
Majority 2,813 11.0 N/A
Turnout 25,565 76.5 +8.2
Unionist gain from Labour Swing +7.4

1923 General Election

General election 1923: Norfolk South[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Labour George Edwards 11,682 51.9 +7.5
Unionist Thomas William Hay 10,821 48.1 โˆ’7.6
Majority 861 3.8 N/A
Turnout 22,503 68.3 โˆ’2.5
Labour gain from Unionist Swing +7.5

1922 General Election

General election 1922: Norfolk South[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Unionist Thomas William Hay 12,734 45.7 N/A
Labour George Edwards 10,159 44.4 +8.7
Majority 2,575 3.7 N/A
Turnout 22,893 70.8 +12.3
Unionist gain from Labour Swing

1920 South Norfolk By-election

1920 South Norfolk By-election[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Labour George Edwards 8,594 45.7 +10.0
National Liberal James Henley Batty 6,476 34.5 โˆ’29.8
Liberal Charles Roberts 3,718 19.8 โˆ’44.5
Majority 2,118 11.2 N/A
Turnout 18,788 58.5 +2.7
Labour gain from Liberal Swing

1918 General Election

General election 1918: Norfolk South[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Liberal William Cozens-Hardy 11,755 64.3 +4.7
Labour George Edwards 6,536 35.7 N/A
Majority 5,219 28.6 +9.4
Turnout 18,291 55.8 โˆ’25.5
Liberal hold Swing

December 1910 General Election

General election, December 1910: Norfolk South[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Liberal Arthur Soames 4,740 59.6 +3.2
Conservative T.S. Timmis 3,212 40.4 โˆ’3.2
Majority 1,528 19.2 +6.4
Turnout 7,952 81.3 โˆ’5.4
Liberal hold Swing +3.2

January 1910 General Election

General election, January 1910: Norfolk South[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Liberal Arthur Soames 4,781 56.4 โˆ’0.7
Conservative E.R.A. Kerrison 3,694 43.6 +0.7
Majority 1,087 12.8 โˆ’1.4
Turnout 8,475 86.7 +1.7
Liberal hold Swing โˆ’0.7

1906 General Election

General election 1906: Norfolk South[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Liberal Arthur Soames 4,677 57.1 +4.3
Conservative Edward Mann 3,519 42.9 โˆ’4.3
Majority 1,158 14.2 +8.6
Turnout 8,196 85.0 +6.8
Liberal gain from Liberal Unionist Swing +4.3

1900 General Election

General election 1900: Norfolk South[25]
Party Candidate Votes % ยฑ%
Liberal Arthur Soames 3,986 52.8 +8.2
Conservative Edward Mann 3,566 47.2 โˆ’8.2
Majority 420 5.6 N/A
Turnout 7,552 78.2 โˆ’0.3
Liberal gain from Liberal Unionist Swing +8.2

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References

References

  1.  A county constituency (for the purposes of election expenses and type of returning officer)
  2.  Where the hustings stood, at which nominations were made, votes cast before the introduction of multiple polling districts in county constituencies and the result was declared
  3.  UK Polling Report http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/norfolksouth/
  4.  Electoral Calculus https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/fcgi-bin/seatdetails.py?seat=Norfolk+South
  5.  Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs รขย€ย“ Constituencies beginning with "N" (part 2)
A full list of references for this article are available at the South Norfolk (UK Parliament constituency) Wikipedia page

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