Beyond remain vs. leave: understand changing voter perceptions and attitudes towards Populism—evidence from Scotland and the West Midlands

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the link between populism and governance arrangements. Adopting a comparative approach between the West Midlands and Scotland, it utilises novel primary qualitative data alongside official results and demographic statistics. Paying particular attention to the perspectives of remain-voters in “left behind” areas and how they perceive their Leave-voting counterparts, the article finds that despite divergent voting patterns both groups perceived a problematic lack of (regional) political agency. Economic disparities and subnational governance arrangements appear important in explaining discontent in those parts of the UK that have been “left behind” by globalisation. Meaningful devolution will be key in addressing these grievances.