Election Diaries - Focus On Nuneaton

Find out more here.

Nuneaton, a market town in the West Midlands, is a renowned bellwether. The party that wins in Nuneaton has also won national power in every election since 1983. In 2015 it was the first marginal to declare its result and the moment David Cameron said he knew he’d won the election. It is no surprise then that Rishi Sunak visited the seat on Monday. 

Conservative MP Marcus Jones has represented the seat since 2010. It is a target for Labour, who require a 14.54 per cent swing to win. According to recent MRP polls this is almost certainly going to happen.

We asked the 10 diarists in Nuneaton to tell us more about their local area and candidates.

How do the diarists feel about their local area?

As with other suburban constituencies, diarists are quick to mention their proximity to green spaces close to the town. This includes nearby farmland and green urban spaces such as Riversley Park.

“I love Riversley park. It’s just so pretty, I love walking barefoot on the grass and just enjoying the beautiful flowers.” – Liz, Nuneaton

“I live in an area very close to farm land and can walk the dog there within a 5 minute walk, we love that. But the land is being threatened by a housing estate.” – Sam, Nuneaton

Thinking about Nuneaton itself, many feel the town has declined in recent years and Nuneaton is a less attractive place to live compared to the past.

“Unfortunately I can’t really say I like anything about Nuneaton anymore, it used to be a nice town when I was younger and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. However, it’s gone really bad the last few years and I would actually move out of Nuneaton if I could.” – Lauren, Nuneaton

As with other constituencies, the perceived decline of Nuneaton’s high street dominates thinking about the area as a whole. Lots of well-known brands have shut up shop, leaving behind ‘barbers and charity shops’. Diarists feel this means there is little to do in the town centre and it often feels quiet, even on weekends. There is a sense that the town centre has become a functional place – for running errands or picking up specific items – but it’s no longer a pleasant place in which to spend time or bring visiting friends or relatives.

“To be honest, there’s not much I like about the town at all. It’s ok if you like eating out, getting your hair cut or second hand shops. M&S closed, Debenhams closed, Co-Op closed, Wilco closed.” – Glen, Nuneaton

“We have no shops left in the town just charity shops or barbers. The council charge high rent prices so it has resulted in all high street shops shutting.” – Lauren, Nuneaton

Diarists are also concerned by a perceived increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town. A particular symbol – one that we have heard about in other, similar, towns around the UK - seems to be a rise in teenagers, and sometimes children, riding motorbikes or dirt bikes through the town. Many also mentioned knife crime and the recent murder of Tom Ellis who was fatally stabbed outside the shopping centre in Nuneaton during the campaign. For some, this means Nuneaton – particularly the town centre – feels less safe than before.

“In the town centre, there's a lot of trouble. Somebody got stabbed and died recently, and there’s quite a lot of crime. The town centre's really run down and I'd like to see that regenerated with lots more. Like, if people are living in the town centre it might probably make it a bit safer when there's more visibility of people living and walking around and working.” – Matt, Nuneaton

“Anti-social behaviour is parts of Nuneaton is awful. There are lots of problems with kids riding motor bikes with no helmet.” – Claire, Nuneaton

Similar to Bolton West, many of the Nuneaton diarists are concerned by what they perceive as a vast increase in housing developments on green spaces on the outskirts of town. As with the Bolton diarists, there is a belief that the already strained infrastructure in the town (e.g. health services, roads) will be unable to cope with the increased number of residents.

“There is not enough infrastructure to cope with all the houses being built; doctors surgeries, dentists, schools, the town is always gridlocked.” – Glen, Nuneaton

“One of the main issues is that there will be no extra infrastructure for these new homes. Just the same as we have now, no new doctors, no new shops, no community centres and the roads will be even busier.” – Sam, Nuneaton

How do diarists feel about their local candidates?

Despite being the local MP since 2010, diarists feel they know relatively little about Marcus Jones. Some feel he hasn’t done much to improve the town during his tenure and that the sentiment on local social media toward him is mostly negative. Other than leaflets through the door, most diarists feel he hasn’t been present during the campaign.

“I've seen Marcus Jones, our Conservative candidate, has had James Cleverly here campaigning with him in some of the more affluent areas of Nuneaton. Not seeing much of him in Stockingford, so I think he's concentrating more on the certain areas.” – James, Nuneaton

“I’ve only heard negative things regarding Marcus Jones - mainly on Nuneaton Facebook forums where people have gone to him with issues and he hasn’t been very proactive to support them. The leaflet I received yesterday has been the only thing I have heard / received off Marcus Jones this election as well.” – Lauren, Nuneaton

On the other hand, diarists feel they have heard more from Jodie Gosling of the Labour Party and most her feeling warmer to her than Marcus Jones. They have received leaflets, as well as advertising on social media. Although most still feel they know little about her, she gives the impression of caring about the issues which are important to diarists, such as the NHS and regenerating the town centre.

“Jodie Gosling posts much more relevant stuff for me she seems a nice family woman and her priorities are the same as mine.” – Liz, Nuneaton

“I have also seen posts on Facebook for Jodie lately, today I saw some targeted advertising about stopping the doctors 8am scramble, which is a big promise but would be great if they make it work.” – Sam, Nuneaton

“The local Labour candidate's card looked the most impressive for me, simple yet visually effective. The one from Marcus Jones is really bad, dreadful colour and way too much text.” – Karen, Nuneaton

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