Beyond Political Binaries: The 2019 General Election and the Dagenham and Rainham Constituency. Issue 1 (9th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cruddas, Jon
• Is Part Of: Political quarterly. Volume 91:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2020-03-09
• Subjects: Labour -- election -- class -- Dagenham and Rainham; Political science -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1910-1936 -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-923X.12827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3179

Abstract

Abstract: This article considers the results of the 2019 general election with reference to the Dagenham and Rainham constituency in outer East London. It was a key target for the Conservatives with a 70 per cent leave voting electorate. It did not change hands and might therefore provide insights into the wider debate regarding future coalitions and strategy within the modern left. This article considers these results with reference to arguments about a 'Brexit realignment' on the left and whether Labour should rethink the nature of its political 'base'. It argues for a more nuanced debate than that which currently exists, built around simple binaries organised around Brexit, class, age, education and geography.