Great Grimsby Parliamentary Constituency: A Political History
The constituency of Great Grimsby, located in the market town and seaport of Grimsby, Lincolnshire, holds a storied place in British political history. From its inception in the medieval era to its role in modern electoral shifts, the borough has mirrored the broader evolution of the United Kingdom's democratic processes.
Early Representation and the Era of Freemen
Great Grimsby was established as a parliamentary borough in 1295, during the assembly of the Model Parliament. For centuries, the constituency elected two Members of Parliament (MPs). During this early period, the right to vote was reserved for the freemen of the town—individuals who were residents and paid "scot and lot" (local taxes).
The status of a freeman was typically acquired through inheritance or apprenticeship in the guilds, though the town corporation could bestow it upon those who brought acclaim to the area. Uniquely in Great Grimsby, the husbands of a freeman's daughter or widow could also acquire this freedom, a right that local women fought to preserve during the Reform Bill discussions of 1831.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Corruption and Political Patronage
Despite its long history, the borough became notorious for electoral corruption. In the early 18th century, freemen frequently entered into treaties with London gentlemen to sell their choice of burgess to the highest bidder. The polemicist Oldfield once claimed the borough was second to none in the history of corruption.
A prominent example occurred in 1701 when the House of Commons overturned the election of MP William Cotesworth due to bribery. Cotesworth was sent to the Tower of London, and the borough's right to representation was temporarily suspended. While bribery allegations were common in almost every election of this era, the 1701 case remained one of the few where formal action was taken.
Like many boroughs of the time, Great Grimsby recognized a patron—an influential figure who guided the choice of MPs. By 1832, this role was held by Lord Yarborough. However, his influence was often limited, as voters were willing to defy his advice if offered a higher price by rivals. For instance, the Tennyson family attempted to erode Yarborough's power by providing employment to freemen through land development and small farms.
The Reform Act and Boundary Evolutions
The Reform Act 1832 and the accompanying Boundary Act significantly altered the constituency. The borough was expanded to include eight neighboring parishes, increasing the population from 4,008 to 6,413. Despite this growth, the electorate only rose to 656 because the landed property requirements for the franchise remained unchanged. Consequently, Great Grimsby lost one of its two parliamentary seats.
Throughout the 20th century, the constituency underwent further boundary adjustments:
- 1918: Several parishes (including Bradley, Great Coates, and Waltham) were moved to the Louth county constituency, while the seat expanded to include the urban district of Cleethorpes.
- 1950: Cleethorpes was moved back into the Louth county division, returning the seat to Grimsby alone.
Modern Political Trends and the "Red Wall"
In the latter half of the 20th century, the seat became a stronghold for the Labour Party. Austin Mitchell held the seat from 1977 (following the death of Foreign Secretary Tony Crosland) until his retirement in 2015. However, his majority fluctuated, dropping to three figures by 2010.
The 2015 election saw a surge in interest from the UK Independence Party (UKIP), which ran Victoria Ayling. Although Labour's Melanie Onn won the seat with a significant increase in the majority, the combined vote of the Conservatives and UKIP exceeded that of Labour, signaling a shift in voter sentiment.
This trend culminated in 2019 when Great Grimsby, traditionally part of the "Red Wall" (working-class Labour strongholds in Northern England), was won by the Conservative Party for the first time since 1935.
Key Facts
- Established: 1295 (Model Parliament).
- Original Representation: Two MPs until 1832.
- Historical Voting Right: Held by freemen who paid scot and lot.
- Major Reform: The 1832 Reform Act reduced the seat count from two to one.
- Recent Shift: Won by Conservatives in 2019, ending a long period of Labour dominance.
| Year/Period | Key Change | Impact on Constituency |
|---|---|---|
| 1295 | Establishment | Two burgesses elected to House of Commons |
| 1701 | Bribery Scandal | MP William Cotesworth imprisoned; representation suspended |
| 1832 | Reform Act | Population grew to 6,413; reduced to one MP |
| 1918 | Boundary Change | Included Cleethorpes; lost several rural parishes |
| 1950 | Boundary Change | Cleethorpes removed; returned to Grimsby borough |
| 2019 | Political Shift | First Conservative win since 1935 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the freemen of Great Grimsby?
Freemen were residents of the town who paid local taxes (scot and lot) and held the right to vote. This status was usually acquired through inheritance, apprenticeship in guilds, or by being granted the status by the town corporation.
Why was Great Grimsby considered corrupt in the 18th century?
The borough was notorious for the sale of votes, where freemen entered into treaties with wealthy individuals to sell their choice of representative to the highest bidder.
How did the Reform Act of 1832 affect the constituency?
The Act expanded the borough's boundaries to include eight neighboring parishes, increasing the population. However, because the franchise rules were not fully reformed, the electorate grew only slightly, and the borough lost one of its two parliamentary seats.
What is the "Red Wall" in the context of Great Grimsby?
The "Red Wall" refers to traditionally working-class areas in the North of England that historically voted for the Labour Party. Great Grimsby was part of this bloc until it shifted to the Conservative Party in 2019.
Who was the long-serving MP before 2015?
Austin Mitchell served as the MP for Great Grimsby from 1977 until his retirement in 2015.