Buckinghamshire General Election Results History
The political landscape of Buckinghamshire has undergone significant shifts over the last century. From a stronghold of traditional conservatism to a more fragmented multi-party contest, the voting patterns in this region reflect broader national trends in British politics. This analysis examines the electoral data from 1918 through to the 2024 general election, based on House of Commons research briefings.
Historically, the boundaries of Buckinghamshire have evolved; notably, before 1983, the county included the Eton and Slough areas, which are now part of Berkshire. This geographical shift is an important consideration when comparing long-term percentage trends.
Key Facts
- 2024 Shift: The Conservative Party saw a significant decline in 2024, dropping from 52.7% of the vote in 2019 to 32.2%.
- Labour Growth: Labour increased its representation in the 2024 election, securing 5 seats.
- Emerging Parties: Reform UK captured 12.6% of the vote in 2024, while the Workers Party of Britain entered the fray with 1.1%.
- Historical Peak: The Conservatives reached a peak vote share of 72.3% in 1931.
- Liberal Influence: The Liberal Democrats (and their predecessors) have maintained a consistent presence, peaking at 36.1% in 1922.
Analysis of the 2024 General Election
The 2024 general election marked a turning point for Buckinghamshire. The Conservative Party, which had previously dominated the region, experienced a sharp decrease in both vote share and seat count. While they remained the largest party by vote count, their share fell by 20.5% compared to 2019.
In contrast, the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats saw gains. Labour secured 27.5% of the vote and 5 seats, while the Liberal Democrats rose to 20.1% of the vote, securing 1 seat. The rise of Reform UK (12.6%) suggests a fragmentation of the right-wing vote.
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Comparing 2019 and 2024 Results
The transition between the 2019 and 2024 elections highlights a volatile political climate. In 2019, the Conservatives held a commanding lead with 52.7% of the vote and 7 seats. By 2024, the total number of seats in the region increased to 8, but the distribution shifted heavily toward Labour.
| Party | 2019 Votes (%) | 2024 Votes (%) | 2019 Seats | 2024 Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 52.7% | 32.2% | 7 | 2 |
| Labour | 25.4% | 27.5% | 0 | 5 |
| Liberal Democrats | 13.7% | 20.1% | 0 | 1 |
| Reform UK / Brexit | 0.3% (Brexit) | 12.6% | 0 | 0 |
| Greens | 2.9% | 5.2% | 0 | 0 |
Long-term Voting Trends (1922–2024)
Looking at the century-long trajectory, Buckinghamshire has historically leaned Conservative, though not without challenge. The Labour Party saw a significant surge in 1945, capturing 43.8% of the vote. The Liberal Democrats (including the pre-1979 Liberal Party and the 1983-1987 SDP-Liberal Alliance) have fluctuated, often serving as the primary alternative to the two major parties.
Other notable entries include the UKIP surge in the early 2010s and the presence of The Speaker (John Bercow) in the seat records for the 2000s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Conservative vote change between 2019 and 2024?
The Conservative vote share in Buckinghamshire dropped significantly from 52.7% in 2019 to 32.2% in 2024, a decrease of 20.5%.
Which party won the most seats in Buckinghamshire in 2024?
The Labour Party won the most seats in 2024, securing 5 seats compared to the Conservatives' 2 and the Liberal Democrats' 1.
What was the highest vote percentage ever recorded for the Conservatives in this region?
The Conservatives reached their highest recorded vote percentage in 1931, with 72.3% of the vote.
Did any new parties emerge in the 2024 election?
Yes, the Workers Party of Britain fielded candidates in 2024, receiving 1.1% of the total votes cast.
Why are the results before 1983 different in terms of geography?
Before 1983, the administrative boundaries of Buckinghamshire included the Eton and Slough areas, which are now located in Berkshire.