Uxbridge: The people behind the polls

Latest statistics suggest that Boris Johnson will lose his parliamentary seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. But who are the people behind these numbers, and how do they feel about him?

Considered one of few Conservative safe seats in London, Boris Johnson’s constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip is one that will be keenly watched in the next general election. In December 2022, it was announced that the former Prime Minister will stand for re-election here.

As with many nationwide polls, data suggests that Labour have an 87% chance of gaining this seat. Speaking to some of the people that make up the statistics illuminated an image of a community that feels neglected, betrayed, and left in the dark. 

Like 76% of the constituency, Angela, 74, was born in the UK. She has lived in Uxbridge her whole life, and has always described herself as a One Nation Conservative. An all-too-common sentiment, Angela told me that she doesn’t recognise the party she used to proudly support. 

“[Johnson] doesn’t represent the kind of Conservative I am. I dragged my feet to vote for him last time but the last few years have been the nail in the coffin for me.”

The COVID-19 pandemic punctuated the stride and end of Johnson’s tenure as PM. Angela is decidedly not alone in her disapproval of how it was handled. “The entire thing was a disgrace. I can’t, in good conscience, place my vote with someone who made such a mess of people’s lives.” No longer a Conservative voter, Angela is undecided on whether she’ll vote at all.

However, it’s not always personal. Local university student Victoria feels that her dissent from the party is a natural consequence of moving away from home and developing her own views. 

“If I could go back in time and not vote Tory [in 2019], I would. I’m not sure it would make much difference, but now I feel more informed and like my opinions are more informed by what I’ve learned as opposed to my parents.” 

The Labour Party typically enjoys the support of a majority of students. To Victoria, this shouldn’t be guaranteed.

“Labour right now feels complacent. I don’t want them to win as the lesser of two evils, I want them to provide stronger opposition and make pledges that make the future seem less bleak for students like me.”

Also mindful of the future are Terry and Khushi, who have lived in Hillingdon with their two children since 2011, and in Uxbridge since 2017. Terry said that he and his wife are generally satisfied with the work of local Tories. 

“It’s a nice, clean, safe area to raise our boys in. The council are always helping to keep it this way.” 

Khushi said that while they are tentatively remaining Conservative voters, the pair aren’t entirely convinced of Johnson as an MP.

“We can’t fault the council, but I honestly couldn’t tell you one thing he’s done for us as MP. It feels like serving those of us that voted him in isn’t even in his top five priorities for his career.”

When politics is often framed by sterile facts and figures, it’s easy to lose sight of lives that each decision directly impacts. With the current parliamentary term more than halfway over, it’s no surprise that MPs like Boris Johnson are beginning to vie for re-election. The question is now whether he can win back his constituents, or if residents like Victoria are drops in the predicted red wave on its way.

Feature image by Annie Spratt on Unsplash