Ashton-under-Lyne (UK Parliament constituency)
Ashton-under-Lyne is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2015 by Angela Rayner of the Labour Party. It covers the town of Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, along with surrounding areas including Droylsden and Failsworth.
The constituency was created in 1832 and has been consistently represented in Parliament since then, undergoing boundary changes periodically. Historically, it has been a bellwether seat, often reflecting the national swing, though in recent elections it has shown a tendency to favour the Labour Party.
The seat is part of the Tameside Metropolitan Borough. The demographics of the constituency are diverse, with a mix of urban and suburban areas, encompassing both industrial and residential communities. Key industries historically included textiles, engineering, and coal mining, although the modern economy is now more service-based.
Notable past Members of Parliament (MPs) for Ashton-under-Lyne include prominent figures in British politics, reflecting the constituency's importance throughout its history. The results of elections in Ashton-under-Lyne are closely watched as an indicator of political sentiment in the North West of England.