Communities all over the United Kingdom such as Henley-on-Thames are locked in tight contests in which traditional party loyalties come second to more immediate concerns about the economy, crumbling infrastructure and the National Health Service.
Though it has traditionally been a Conservative Party stronghold, the area may change its stripes. The Tories have been beset by sluggish growth, declining public services and a series of scandals, making them easy targets for critics on the left and right.
“This is a blue (Conservative) town, always has been,’’ restaurant manager Sam Wilkinson said. “My generation won’t necessarily vote blue, not necessarily, but at the same time who else do you vote for? It’s really tricky.”
Residents steadily streamed to the polling station, including Patricia Mulcahy, who is retired.
“The younger generation are far more interested in change,’’ she said. “So, I think whatever happens in Henley, in the country, there will be a big shift.”
