Other places where Nigel Farage's party is polling well are also lacking transport infrastructure, the report finds, saying a perception among locals that decisions are taken in London that make their lives more difficult could push them to abandon major parties.
The report, by the consultancy Stonehaven, stressed that it "does not argue that the presence or absence of a road is the root cause of populism, or recommend building these particular roads". It added: "But it does argue that an absence of good transport links to the outside world - especially by road - is one of places where populist critique rings true."
Such a link between infrastructure and the rise of populist parties is particularly resonant for Keir Starmer's No 10, where his team believe that they could lose seats to Reform at the next election unless they can tangibly improve voters' lives.
This story is from the November 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 28, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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