Who Votes Conservative? Brexit and Age Define the Party Faithful The Conservative Party has long been the dominant political force in the United Kingdom. However, in recent years, the party has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in terms of its voter base. Traditionally, the Conservative Party was seen as the party of the wealthy and privileged. However, in recent years, the party has made significant gains among working-class and lower-income voters. This shift is largely due to the party’s focus on issues such as immigration and national sovereignty, which resonate with these voters. Another factor that has contributed to the Conservative Party’s recent success is its appeal to older voters. While the Labour Party has traditionally been seen as the party of the young, the Conservative Party has made significant inroads into this demographic in recent years. This is largely due to the party’s focus on issues such as pensions and healthcare, which are of particular importance to older voters. The Brexit referendum has also had a significant impact on the Conservative Party’s voter base. Those who voted Leave in the referendum were more likely to vote Conservative in the 2017 general election, while those who voted Remain were more likely to vote Labour. This suggests that Brexit has become a key dividing line in British politics, with the Conservative Party increasingly seen as the party of those who support leaving the European Union. Overall, the Conservative Party has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly in terms of its voter base. The party is now more popular among working-class and lower-income voters, as well as among older voters. This shift is largely due to the party’s focus on issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and Brexit. Key Findings * The Conservative Party is now more popular among working-class and lower-income voters than it has been in the past. * The party is also more popular among older voters. * Brexit has become a key dividing line in British politics, with the Conservative Party increasingly seen as the party of those who support leaving the European Union. Implications These findings have significant implications for the future of British politics. The Conservative Party is now the dominant party in the UK, and it is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. However, the party’s focus on issues such as immigration and Brexit could alienate some voters, particularly younger voters and those who voted Remain in the Brexit referendum. It remains to be seen whether the Conservative Party can maintain its popularity among these voters in the long term.Conservative Voter Demographics and LoyaltiesConservative Voter Demographics and Loyalties Despite a significant decline in support, the Conservative Party retains a loyal voter base. Here are key insights into their demographics and loyalties: * Age: Conservative voters are predominantly older, with the majority over 65 years old. This age group constitutes the largest share of Conservative support. * Voting History: Many Conservative voters have a history of supporting the party in previous elections. * Ethnicity: Conservative voters are slightly more likely to be white than other voters. * Financial Status: Over half of Conservative voters are well-off. * Brexit: Conservative voters overwhelmingly voted for Brexit. Concerns and Motivations Current Conservative voters express concerns about the economy and the potential impact of a Labour government. They are particularly receptive to arguments that Labour would raise taxes or mismanage the economy. Voting Patterns Conservative support is strongest in certain regions and constituencies. The party has a particularly strong presence in constituencies with large populations of older voters. * Marginal Constituencies: Despite national polls indicating a landslide Labour victory, More in Common projects that Conservatives will win by a significant margin in over 100 constituencies. Gender Gap The gender gap among Conservative voters is narrowing. While more men voted Conservative in the 2019 election, support among women is now closer to that of men. Views on Sunak and Farage Current Conservative voters hold positive views of Rishi Sunak, attributing the party’s recent struggles to a lack of support for the prime minister. They generally have a negative view of Nigel Farage and his political style. Defection Rates Of those who voted Conservative in 2019, 23% are considering switching to Reform UK, while 13% are considering Labour and 4% are considering the Liberal Democrats. Brexit Impact Brexit voters split between the Conservatives and Reform UK, with one-third supporting each party. Key Issues All voters prioritize the NHS and cost of living, but Conservative voters are more concerned about immigration and the war in Ukraine.Who Votes Conservative? Brexit and Age Define the Party Faithful The Conservative Party has long been associated with the values of traditionalism, patriotism, and limited government. But in recent years, the party has undergone a significant transformation, with the rise of populism and the growing influence of its right wing. This transformation has been most evident in the party’s stance on Brexit. While the Conservatives were once divided on the issue, they are now firmly in favor of leaving the European Union. This has been a key factor in attracting working-class voters in the north of England and the Midlands, who feel that the EU has benefited the wealthy at their expense. Another key factor in the Conservative Party’s transformation is the increasing age of its voters. The party now has the oldest voter base of any major political party in the UK, with an average age of 57. This is due in part to the fact that young people are more likely to vote for the Labour Party or the Liberal Democrats. The Conservative Party’s aging voter base has implications for its policies. The party is more likely to focus on issues that are important to older voters, such as pensions, healthcare, and social care. It is also less likely to support policies that are seen as benefiting young people, such as investment in education and training. The Conservative Party’s transformation is having a significant impact on British politics. The party is now more divided than ever before, and it is unclear whether it can maintain its current electoral success. The outcome of the next general election will depend on the party’s ability to appeal to both young and old voters, and to balance its traditional values with the demands of a modernizing society.