URBAN VOTE 2010: The new urban political landscape

The economy is the most important issue for urban voters, and support for the political parties is closely linked to how well they have addressed local concerns over economic issues.

Briefing published on 27 May 2010 by Claire Maugham

The economy is the most important issue for urban voters, and support for the political parties is closely linked to how well they have addressed local concerns over economic issues. We have analysed the 2005 and 2010 General Election results to chart political support in urban areas.

  • Since 2005, Labour MPs have lost some support from urban voters – but Labour is still better-represented than the other parties in urban areas. The party has also made gains at local council level.
  • The Conservatives did not gain significant new representation in cities on 6 May – particularly in places which face a tough economic outlook.
  • The Liberal Democrats have seen virtually no increase in support in urban areas, and have lost council seats to Labour – for example, losing control of Liverpool City Council.

The new coalition government therefore needs to reconnect with urban voters’ economic concerns and forge a new approach to regeneration in cities if it is to gain the support of voters across the country.

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