Left-Behind Patriots

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Left-Behind Patriots

The Left-Behind Patriots are markedly left-wing on economic issues but are decidedly conservative and nationalist in their social outlook.  

Political views

Left-Behind Patriots want Britain to be more equal and think the better off are not taxed enough.  However, their left-wing views appear rooted in the value of work, and they aren’t supportive of generous welfare benefits. At the same time, they are sceptical about equal opportunities policies for minority groups, and believe in stricter sentencing, including the death penalty. They split down the middle when asked for their views on trade unions.

They are highly patriotic. The group is more common in England than in Scotland, and they often regard themselves as English rather than British. They are proud of Britain’s history, though not so much its present. That helps explain why immigration is a key concern for them, and why they voted decisively to leave the EU.  

Characteristics

Left-Behind Patriots are particularly numerous in small towns and cities in the North of England – and thus perhaps in the ‘Red Wall’. Most have limited educational qualifications, have less well-paid jobs and are struggling economically.

They tend to be disenchanted with politics and politicians and do not support any party. Given their mixture of views, unsurprisingly, no one party does especially well with them, although it seems Left-Behind Patriots are more inclined than other groups to support Reform or UKIP.

Key statistics

• 15% of the population belong to this group
• 27% say they wouldn't vote

Party preferences

Labour and Conservatives, some support for Reform, UKIP, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.
 

> Next: Urban Progressives 

< Dividing Lines: A Classification of British Voters