South West England

South West England consists of the City of Bristol and the counties of Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Bristol, like most big cities is to the left of the country but the rest of the region is well to the right. In 2019, the six counties were all at least ten points more blue then the country. The South West returned 48 Conservative MPs that year, which is close to their 2015 peak of 51. Save for the three Blair victories (1997, 2001 and 2005), the region has returned at least 35 Conservatives at every election since 1955.

Outside of Bristol and nearby parts of Gloucestershire and Somerset, Labour have struggled to win many seats at all. Even at their peak in 2001 they only had one seat in each of Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.

In contrast, the Lib Dems are stronger in the South West then they are anywhere else (save for the Highlands of Scotland and the Northern Isles). Although it may be more fitting to say they were strong in the region. The Coalition years (2010-15) did massive damage to their electoral prospects in the region. They shed 244 council seats in this time along with all 15 of their MPs. A modest recovery is under way, they are back to being a large presence in local government but only hold 1 constituency in the House of Commons.

General Election Time Series

Seats Won in South West England 1955-2024

Share of the Vote Won in South West England 1955-2024

2024 General Election

Seats Won in South West England in 2024, by County

Share of the Vote Won in South West England in 2024, by County

Share of Seats Won in South West England in 2024, by County

Change in Vote Share and Seats Won in South West England in 2024, by County

Local Government Composition

Local Councils Held 1973-2023 in South West England

Local Council Seats Held 1973-2023 in South West England