Skip to content

Culture wars: why does rural England vote Tory?

Why have voters in rural constituencies like North Shropshire traditionally voted Conservative, and will changing demographics alter voting patterns in the future? Third in a series of four on the culture wars

Culture wars: why does rural England vote Tory?
Llwyd Mansion, constructed in 1604 in Oswestry, Shropshire | David Pimborough / Alamy Stock Photo
Published:

There is a lot of speculation about whether the Liberal Democrats will take North Shropshire in this week’s by-election. But what’s extraordinary is that the Conservatives might keep it.

With the government tangled in a thicket of scandal, from corruption to Christmas parties, much of it caused by the dubious behaviour of the outgoing MP, Owen Paterson, why is it even a question?

Why do so many people in rural England always vote Tory?