Beyond Remain vs. Leave: understanding changing voter perceptions and attitudes towards Populism – evidence from Scotland and the West Midlands

de Ruyter, A. and Hearne, David and Mansoob Murshed, Syed and Whittam, Geoff and Aguma, Dennis (2021) Beyond Remain vs. Leave: understanding changing voter perceptions and attitudes towards Populism – evidence from Scotland and the West Midlands. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society. ISSN 1752-1378

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Abstract

This article explores the link between populism and governance arrangements. Adopting a comparative approach between the West Midlands and Scotland, it utilises novel primary qualitative data alongside official results and demographic statistics. Paying particular attention to the perspectives of Remain voters in “left behind” areas and how they perceive their Leave-voting counterparts, the article finds that despite divergent voting patterns both groups perceived a problematic lack of (regional) political agency. Economic disparities and subnational governance arrangements appear important in explaining discontent in those parts of the UK that have been “left behind” by globalisation. Meaningful devolution will be key in addressing these grievances.

Item Type:	Article
Dates:	Date Event 10 July 2021 Accepted 26 August 2021 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Brexit, Populism, Spatial, Governance, Devolution
Subjects:	CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-02 - economics > CAH15-02-01 - economics
Divisions:	Research, Innovation, Enterprise and Professional Services > Centre for Brexit Studies
Depositing User:	David Hearne
Date Deposited:	13 Aug 2021 10:00
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2022 13:33
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12074

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