Brian Fantana
Well-known member
it's very much changing isn't it. I do think that the divide isn't as clear cut as class. Our major cities have some of the most deprived areas in the country with large working class populations but are almost exclusively voting Labour, whereas smaller, (historically) working class towns with ageing populations have voted blue- and towns that surround cities (historically hardcore conservative) are seeing a move towards labour/lib dems and greens as young people begin to move from the city to the neighbouring towns due to cost
appears to me that the bigger divide in this country is by age than anything else
Age certainly comes into it - no doubt. The other factor is visibility. Johnson has been far more visible on the campaign trail in the North East (both in this election and the last GE) than Starmer/Corbyn were. I'm not sure if previously that was because these areas were so safe for Labour that it didn't warrant regular visits, but it is certainly something that is remarked upon. A final factor I'd reference specifically for Teesside/surrounding areas has been the popularity and success of the Tory metro mayor, Ben Houchen. He's into his second term and he's been absolutely brilliant for the local area in terms of jobs and investment secured,.