Broken Heartlands

Broken Heartlands delves into the dramatic shifts in voting patterns within Labour's traditional strongholds, often referred to as the red wall, during the 2019 general election. With a keen journalistic eye, the author, rooted in the North East, embarks on a journey through ten constituencies that exemplify this political upheaval.

The Plot

The narrative is structured around insightful interviews and on-the-ground observations, revealing the complex tapestry of reasons behind the change in allegiance from Labour to Conservative. By engaging with local residents, political activists, and community leaders, the author uncovers the social and economic factors that contributed to this seismic shift.

Themes

• Political Identity: An exploration of how historical loyalties can evolve and the impact of national narratives on local sentiments.
• Community Voices: The importance of grassroots perspectives in understanding broader political dynamics.
• Social Change: The interplay between economic hardship and political choices.

Through evocative prose, Broken Heartlands invites readers to reflect on the current state of British politics and the implications of these voting shifts. It resonates with those who have read works by authors such as David Goodhart and Rosie Campbell, who similarly dissect the complexities of modern political landscapes.

“A compelling account of how communities are redefining their political identities.”