Bacta’s recent mapping exercise, which has created the first Geo-Political Footprint of the UK industry, reveals significant changes in the political landscape following the 2024 General Election.
By matching members of the UK trade association with their elected representatives, the Bacta Political Map shows that 325 of the 650 constituencies have at least one Bacta member. This generates a potential lobby that represents exactly 50 percent of the House of Commons.
Following the Labour Party’s landslide victory, 221 constituencies now have at least one Bacta member, an increase of 122 from the previous Parliament. The Conservative Party has 59 constituencies with a Bacta member, a decrease of 116, while the Liberal Democrats have 28 constituencies featuring Bacta members, an increase of 19.
In Scotland, the decline in the Scottish Nationalist Party vote has resulted in only three constituencies with Bacta members, a decrease of 25. Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has three constituencies with Bacta members, an increase of one. The Welsh Nationalist Party, Plaid Cymru, has seen a decrease of four, leaving just two constituencies. The new Reform UK party has increased its presence, with all five of its MPs representing constituencies that include Bacta members.
Executive Director George McGregor stated: “To have Bacta representation in 325 constituencies is a major opportunity to present the industry’s case from the perspective of a constituent, which is a powerful way to create a dialogue and to influence thinking.
“The political complexion of the breakdown will enable us to fine tune our arguments in relation to the reforms required to create a level playing field and in the process enable Bacta members to create employment opportunities, support the tourism agenda and to continue to invest in local economies both on the high street and at the coast.”
