Impact brief

Urban Progressives

This voter group are typically university educated professionals, who lean strongly to the left on economic issues.
Icon depicting Urban Progressives as a segment of the voting public
  • Publishing date:
    5 June 2024

< Dividing Lines: A Classification of British Voters

Urban Progressives

Urban Progressives are typically university educated professionals, who lean strongly to the left on economic issues and in a liberal direction on social ones.  

Political views

Icon depicting Urban Progressives as a segment of the voting public

Urban Progressives want to see a major economic realignment, shifting wealth away from big business and high earners and towards workers. They think trade unions are too weak. They are also supportive of those claiming benefits.

They think we have a lot further to go as a society to improve equal opportunities for all, including women, ethnic minorities, and transgender people. They believe immigration is good for Britain, and, if they voted in the referendum, they overwhelmingly voted to Remain.  

This is Labour’s strongest group, though the Green Party are relatively popular too.

Characteristics

Often to be found in London as well as in Scotland and Wales, relatively few Urban Progressives own a home outright, and they are disproportionately likely to be living in private rental accommodation and would support more houses being built in their area.

Key statistics

  • 16% of the population belong in this group
  • 4% say they wouldn't vote

Party preferences

Labour, Scottish National Party and the Green Party, some Liberal Democrats. 
 

> Next: Soft-Left Liberals  

< Dividing Lines: A Classification of British Voters