Paisley (UK Parliament constituency)

Paisley was a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It existed from 1832 to 1983, and again from 2005 to 2015.

History

The burgh constituency of Paisley was created by the Reform Act 1832. It returned one Member of Parliament (MP). In 1918, it was absorbed into the Renfrewshire East constituency.

Paisley was recreated in 1983, returning one MP. In 2005, boundary changes meant the constituency was divided into Paisley and Renfrewshire North and Paisley and Renfrewshire South. These changes came into effect for the 2005 general election.

The Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency was abolished for the 2015 general election, and the area was divided between Paisley and Renfrewshire South and a new constituency, Renfrewshire North and West. Paisley and Renfrewshire South was also renamed Paisley and returned one MP until the 2019 election.

Boundaries

The boundaries of the constituency varied across its history, reflecting changes in local government and population distribution. Generally, it covered the town of Paisley, in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Details of specific boundary changes can be found in Orders in Council and parliamentary boundary commission reports for the relevant periods.

Members of Parliament

A list of MPs who represented Paisley, Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and Paisley and Renfrewshire South (later renamed Paisley) is available through parliamentary records. Notable MPs included prominent figures in Scottish and UK politics. Details of these MPs can be found via historical parliamentary records and biographical sources.

Elections

Details of election results for Paisley and its related constituencies can be found on sites such as House of Commons Library briefings, the Electoral Commission website, and publications covering UK election results.