Gloucester is a constituency centred on the cathedral city and county town of the same name, represented in the House of Commons of the UK by Alex McIntyre of the Labour Party

Constituency profile

The seat covers most of Gloucester and its neighbouring suburbs of Quedgeley and Hucclecote. Residents' incomes and wealth are around average for the UK.

History

A borough of Gloucester was established by 1295 that returned two burgesses as Members of Parliament to the House of Commons. Its population meant this was a situation not leading to an outright rotten borough identified for abolition under the Reform Act 1832 however on more fair (far more equal representation) national changes in 1885, representation was reduced to one member under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885. Since 1979 Gloucester has been a bellwether constituency by passing between representatives of the two largest parties in the same way as the government. After nearly three decades as a Conservative seat, it was held by Labour from 1997 to 2010 before returning to a Conservative on a swing of 8.9%. Labour recaptured the seat once again at the 2024 general election.

Boundaries

1918–1950: The County Borough of Gloucester. 1950–1955: The County Borough of Gloucester, and in the Rural District of Gloucester the parishes of Barnwood, Brockworth, Hempsted, Hucclecote, and Wotton Vill. 1955–1974: The County Borough of Gloucester, and in the Rural District of Gloucester the parishes of Barnwood, Brockworth, Hempsted, and Hucclecote. Wotton Vill parish had been absorbed by Gloucester CB in 1951. The constituency boundaries remained unchanged. 1974–1983: The County Borough of Gloucester. 1983–1997: The City of Gloucester, and the District of Stroud wards of Quedgeley and Hardwicke, and Upton St Leonards. 1997–2010: The City of Gloucester. 2010–2024: The City of Gloucester wards of Abbey, Barnwood, Barton and Tredworth, Elmbridge, Grange, Hucclecote, Kingsholm and Wotton, Matson and Robinswood, Moreland, Podsmead, Quedgeley Fieldcourt, Quedgeley Severn Vale, Tuffley, and Westgate. The Longlevens ward was transferred to Tewkesbury. 2024–present: As above minus Elmbridge ward. Reduced to bring the electorate within the permitted range by transferring the Elmbridge ward to the Tewkesbury constituency.

Members of Parliament

MPs 1295–1640

MPs 1640–1885

In 1881, Robinson's willingness to stand down faced with a popular petition and the unwillingness of the Conservatives to make allegations nor investigate matters further led to suspicions of collusion between the parties and a Royal Commission was set up to examine electoral practices. The Royal Commission concluded that Gloucester was among the most corrupt of the seven towns investigated and that bribery was endemic in all elections in the city. The Commission concluded that half of the electorate had taken bribes in 1880 and blamed local politicians for most of the corruption. Despite these findings and virtually halving the electorate eligible to vote Robinson was reelected for Gloucester in 1885 when representation had been reduced to one member under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885.

MPs since 1885

Elections

Elections in the 2020s

Elections in the 2010s

Note: The Brexit Party were due to field Richard Ford as a candidate, but the nomination was withdrawn.

Elections in the 2000s

Elections in the 1990s

Elections in the 1980s

Elections in the 1970s

Elections in the 1960s

Elections in the 1950s

Election in the 1940s

Elections in the 1930s

Elections in the 1920s

Elections in the 1910s

Elections in the 1900s

Elections in the 1890s

Elections in the 1880s

Elections in the 1870s

Elections in the 1860s

Elections in the 1850s

Elections in the 1840s

Elections in the 1830s

Sources