Mid Norfolk is a constituency in Norfolk. Its largest settlement is the town of Dereham which has a population of around 21,000.[3] Other settlements in the constituency include the towns of Watton, Attleborough and Hingham and the village of Mattishall.
This constituency covers a large rural area west of the city of Norwich and includes many small villages and historic market towns. Much of its industry is based around agriculture and rural business.[4] The constituency has average levels of wealth and deprivation,[5] and house prices are lower than the national and East of England averages.[6]
Residents of the constituency are generally older than average due to the large retiree population,[7] and most are homeowners. They have low levels of education and the rates of household income and child poverty are average.[6] A high proportion of residents work in the manufacturing and construction sectors and a low percentage claim unemployment benefits.[4][7]White people made up 97% of the population at the 2021 census.[8]
At the local district council level, most of the constituency is represented by Conservative councillors with some Labour Party representatives elected in the west of Dereham. At the county council, which held elections more recently, most of the constituency is represented by Reform UK. Voters in Mid Norfolk strongly supported leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum; an estimated 62% voted in favour of Brexit compared to the nationwide figure of 52%.[6]
History
Under the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, the three two-member county divisions of Norfolk were replaced with six single-member divisions, including the newly created Mid Division of Norfolk. It was abolished at the next redistribution of seats under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1918, when it was absorbed by neighbouring constituencies.
On abolition, southern areas, including Wymondham, were returned to the Southern Division and northern areas, including East Dereham, were transferred to the South-Western Division.
1983–1997
The District of Breckland wards of Beetley and Gressenhall, East Dereham Neatherd, East Dereham St Withburga, East Dereham Toftwood, East Dereham Town, Eynsford, Hermitage, Launditch, Mattishall, Shipworth, Springvale, Swanton Morley, Taverner, Two Rivers, Upper Wensum, and Upper Yare; and
The District of Broadland wards of Acle, Aylsham, Blofield, Brundall, Burlingham, Buxton, Cawston, Coltishall, Drayton, Foulsham, Freethorpe, Great Witchingham, Hainford, Hevingham, Horsford, Plumstead, Rackheath, Reedham, Reepham, South Walsham, Spixworth, St Faiths, Taverham, and Wroxham.[11]
Eastern areas were transferred from Yarmouth, central areas (including Aylsham) from North Norfolk and western areas (including East Dereham) from South West Norfolk.
1997–2010
The District of Breckland wards of Beetley and Gressenhall, East Dereham Neatherd, East Dereham St Withburga, East Dereham Toftwood, East Dereham Town, Eynsford, Hermitage, Launditch, Mattishall, Shipworth, Springvale, Swanton Morley, Taverner, Two Rivers, Upper Wensum, and Upper Yare; and
The District of Broadland wards of Acle, Aylsham, Blofield, Brundall, Burlingham, Buxton, Cawston, Coltishall, Foulsham, Freethorpe, Great Witchingham, Hainford, Hevingham, Horsford, Plumstead, Rackheath, Reedham, Reepham, South Walsham, Spixworth, St Faiths, and Wroxham.[12]
The District of Breckland wards of All Saints, Buckenham, Burgh and Haverscroft, Dereham Central, Dereham Humbletoft, Dereham Neatherd, Dereham Toftwood, Eynsford, Haggard De Toni, Hermitage, Launditch, Necton, Queen's, Shipdham, Springvale and Scarning, Swanton Morley, Taverner, Templar, Two Rivers, Upper Wensum, Upper Yare, Watton, and Wissey; and
The District of South Norfolk wards of Abbey, Cromwells, Hingham and Deopham, Northfields, Rustens, Town, and Wicklewood.[13]
Significant changes. The District of Broadland areas, which had comprised the majority of the constituency, were now included in the new constituency of Broadland. The District of Breckland areas were retained from the 1997–2010 contents, with further parts, including Watton and Attleborough, transferred from South West Norfolk. The District of South Norfolk wards, which incorporated the town of Wymondham, were transferred from the constituency of South Norfolk.
Another General Election was required to take place before the end of 1915. The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by July 1914, the following candidates had been selected;
↑Great Britain, Incorporated Council of Law Reporting for England and Wales. The public general acts. unknown library. Proprietors of the Law Journal Reports, 1884.
