‘Disadvantaged’ Midlands towns where the general election vote could matter most in 2024

On July 4, millions of people will head to the polls to cast their vote in the general election. They are being billed as the biggest election in years as the Conservatives could be out of power after nearly a decade and a half.

And with possible change comes a sense of hope – whether or not improvements in people’s lives will materialize under a new party. And there are several towns and cities in the West Midlands where the desire for change is likely to be strongest.

That’s because they are among the most disadvantaged in England and the families here are some of the poorest. In recent years, their lives will have been a struggle at best and near impossible at worst, especially after a pandemic and cost-of-living crisis that has left a nation depleted.

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Whether they lay the blame for all or part of this at the Government’s door will depend on their point of view, but they may feel that after the last 14 years, when their situation has gradually worsened, change is worth a try.

Sandwell in the Black Country is one of the most deprived areas in England, according to official statistics. The borough includes towns such as West Bromwich, Smethwick, Oldbury and Tipton.

Wolverhampton and Birmingham are also ranked among the 11 worst areas in the country for deprivation. And votes will count in these areas in 2024.

Much of the Black Country is currently represented by Tory MPs following Boris Johnson’s attack on Labour’s ‘red wall’ at the 2019 ‘Brexit election’. Residents of these areas may believe that their lives have not improved much since then or that things have gotten much worse.

Polls suggest many of these seats could turn red again. It would not be surprising if many people in these disadvantaged areas have disengaged from politics, given all that has happened in their lives.

Many are long enough in the tooth and believe that “everyone is the same”. But their July 4th vote could be their chance to turn things around. For once, the power will be in their hands.