Sir James Cleverly · Conservative and Unionist Party
East of England, England
: 77,673
Con held for 5 consecutive elections.
MP News Approval i
+42
James Cleverly
Conservative and Unionist PartyThe Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly is the Conservative MP for Braintree, and has been an MP continually since 7 May 2015. He currently undertakes the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Braintree has been mixed for James across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Plans to dual Essex's A120 axed by Government as MP criticises 'shocking decision'” — The Gazette
“Braintree health clinic unveils town's first automated prescription service” — Braintree and Witham Times
Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Braintree, Halstead (Braintree) and Great Notley. Population 89,528. Recorded crime is 36% below the national average.
Braintree health clinic unveils town's first automated prescription service
Braintree and Witham Times · 8 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£30,200
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£42,100
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
4,530
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
45
34 primary, 5 secondary, 6 other
Total Income Tax▼
£399m
from 55,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£3,190
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£7,280
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
42.3
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
60.5%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 large town, 3 towns, 8 villages, rural areas — 105,361 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
34 councillors across 19 wards · Last elections: May 2023
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bocking Blackwater | Conservative and Unionist Party | Justin Wrench | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Lyn Shirley Walters | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Lynette Barbara Flint | May 2023 | |
| Bocking North | Conservative and Unionist Party | John Baugh | May 2023 |
| Labour Party | Lynn Rosemary Jefferis | May 2023 | |
| Bocking South | Conservative and Unionist Party | Jack Peter Richard Edwards | May 2023 |
| Labour Party | Moia Thorogood | May 2023 | |
| Braintree Central Beckers Green | Labour Party | Jonathan Kutsal Ayten | May 2023 |
| Labour Party | Shirley Margaret Mason | May 2023 | |
| Labour Party | Thomas Alfred Diamond | May 2023 | |
| Braintree South | Conservative and Unionist Party | Kevin James Bowers | May 2023 |
| Labour Party | Martin John Green | May 2023 | |
| Braintree West | Conservative and Unionist Party | George Prime | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Mary Clark Cunningham | May 2023 | |
| Bumpstead | Conservative and Unionist Party | Diana Garrod | May 2023 |
| Felsted Stebbing | Residents for Uttlesford | John Evans | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Richard Silcock | May 2023 | |
| Gosfield Greenstead Green | Conservative and Unionist Party | Peter Schwier | May 2023 |
| Great Notley Black Notley | Conservative and Unionist Party | Francesco Patrizio Ricci | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Graham Butland | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Tom Cunningham | May 2023 | |
| Halstead St Andrews | Halstead Residents' Association | Andy Munday | May 2023 |
| Halstead Residents' Association | Jim Bond | May 2023 | |
| Halstead Trinity | Halstead Residents' Association | Jackie Pell | May 2023 |
| Labour Party | Malcolm Fincken | May 2023 | |
| Hedingham | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Joanne Beavis | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Wendy Taylor | May 2023 | |
| Rayne | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Ann Louise Hooks | May 2023 |
| Stour Valley North | Conservative and Unionist Party | Iona Claire Fitzgerald Parker | May 2023 |
| Stour Valley South | Conservative and Unionist Party | David Peter Holland | May 2023 |
| The Sampfords | Residents for Uttlesford | Mike Tayler | May 2023 |
| Three Fields | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Mark Ian Ault | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Michael Staines | May 2023 | |
| Yeldham | Conservative and Unionist Party | Richard Michael van Dulken | May 2023 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 17,414 | 35.5% |
| Lab | 13,744 | 28.0% | |
| Ref | 11,346 | 23.1% | |
| LD | 2,879 | 5.9% | |
| Green | 2,878 | 5.9% | |
| Ind | 767 | 1.6% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 34,112 | 67.5% |
| Lab | 9,439 | 18.7% | |
| LD | 4,779 | 9.5% | |
| Ind | 1,488 | 3.0% | |
| Ind | 420 | 0.8% | |
| Ind | 261 | 0.5% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 32,873 | 62.8% |
| Lab | 14,451 | 27.6% | |
| LD | 2,251 | 4.3% | |
| Ind | 1,835 | 3.5% | |
| Green | 916 | 1.8% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 27,071 | 53.8% |
| Ind | 9,461 | 18.8% | |
| Lab | 9,296 | 18.5% | |
| LD | 2,488 | 5.0% | |
| Green | 1,564 | 3.1% | |
| Ind | 295 | 0.6% | |
| Ind | 108 | 0.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Con | 25,901 | 52.6% | |
| Lab | 9,780 | 19.9% | |
| LD | 9,247 | 18.8% | |
| Ind | 2,477 | 5.0% | |
| Ind | 1,080 | 2.2% | |
| Green | 718 | 1.5% |
James Cleverly appeared in 14 national articles across 9 topics (8 Apr 2026 – 14 Apr 2026)
Mixed (0.00)Ranked #16 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
Cleverly's criticism of the deal as 'weak' is vindicated by its collapse, though his opposition appears to have been motivated by China concerns rather than Chagossian rights.
Cleverly's comments represent standard Conservative opposition rhetoric welcoming the ceasefire while emphasizing vigilance on Iran's behavior, with no particular criticism or praise affecting his political standing.
While defending Help to Buy, he makes only a defensive political argument without addressing the substantive findings of the IFS report, appearing out of touch with evidence of the scheme's limitations.
Cleverly is quoted opposing rent controls as driving landlords from the market, placing the opposition party on the defensive side of a contentious housing affordability crisis.
Positions himself as statesman and expert on international relations, though the aggressive partisan attack may undermine his credentials as measured critic.
13 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
Christchurch Pharmacy in Braintree has launched the town's first 24/7 automated prescription collection service, with Sir James Cleverly attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new service aims to improve patient convenience and reduce pharmacy queues while supporting NHS modernisation.
A housing development in Braintree has forced closure of the B1018, causing heavy lorry traffic through the small village of Cressing via an unofficial rat run. Residents report dangerous driving conditions and safety concerns, while local councillors criticize the planning system for favouring developers and allowing unsustainable cumulative development in the area.
Braintree firefighters conducted Easter weekend training exercises using eggs to practice precision tool handling with Holmatro spreaders. The fire station shared lighthearted photos and puns on social media showcasing the creative training drill.
A major housing development of 375 homes has been proposed for land off Western Road in Silver End, between Braintree and Witham. The outline application includes 225 market homes and 150 affordable homes, alongside significant green space and community facilities, addressing the district's critical housing shortage of 3.69 years' supply against a five-year national benchmark.
Braintree Town Football Club has been relegated from the National League (fifth tier of English football) following a goalless draw against Woking. The club's manager has highlighted serious off-pitch problems as the cause, describing difficult working conditions.
Residents of Cressing village are experiencing severe disruption from nearby roadworks between Braintree and Witham, with heavy traffic being diverted onto The Street, causing safety hazards, property damage, and sleep disruption. Essex Highways states the road is not an official diversion route and encourages motorists to use alternate routes via the A12 and A120.
A 200-metre stretch of Panfield Lane in Braintree will close for three months starting April 13 as part of developer-funded highway improvements for the new Dandara housing project. The work includes road widening, new cycleways, and utility improvements, with a marked diversion route in place and temporary traffic lights to follow.
Braintree Bullets BMX Club achieved significant success at both regional competitions in Ipswich and international rounds in the Netherlands, with multiple riders securing class victories and podium finishes. The club demonstrated strong performance across various age categories and will continue competing at national and local levels.
Two major road closures affecting Halstead's connections to Braintree have begun due to gas main upgrades and utility asset works. The closures on Mount Hill and Trinity Road are expected to continue until April 27, with temporary traffic lights and diversions in place.
Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council for 22 years, is stepping down next month at age 77. During his tenure, he oversaw major developments including leisure facilities and the Horizon120 business park, though he regrets the A120 dual carriageway upgrade and garden community planning failures.
The B1018 Braintree Road closure between Millennium Way and the new Persimmon roundabout (March 27 to April 13) is diverting traffic through nearby villages, particularly Cressing, causing congestion and complaints from residents about HGVs shaking houses. The closure is part of planned carriageway improvements to provide access to 250 new homes, with a second phase scheduled for summer.
A former real estate firm owner in Braintree and Marshfield pleaded guilty to embezzling $11 million from escrow accounts, causing significant financial harm to agents, homeowners, and buyers. Stephen Webster was sentenced to 2-3 years in prison and ordered to make restitution to victims who lost substantial sums including commissions and retirement savings.
Schools across the Braintree district, including Tabor Academy, have implemented safety arch checks and bag searches as part of a proactive knife crime prevention campaign in partnership with police. The initiative aims to educate students about knife dangers and maintain a safe school environment, with no weapons found during recent visits and Essex Police reporting a 13% decline in knife crime across the county.
A 71-year-old cyclist from Witham died after being struck by a Tesla while cycling home from work in May 2023. The driver will face no criminal proceedings despite meeting the evidential threshold, as the driver has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia and fitness to plead would be an issue.
The article highlights the ongoing safety crisis on the A120 between Marks Tey and Braintree, which has claimed 25 lives in 25 years and remains a dangerous single carriageway. The Gazette is launching a campaign calling on the Department for Transport to fund the dualling of this crucial road, which directly serves Braintree residents and businesses.
Braintree Council has expressed disappointment after the Department for Transport excluded the A120 dualling scheme (between Braintree and Marks Tey) from its latest Road Investment Strategy funding plan, marking the second postponement of this long-awaited project. The council, supported by local media, is calling on government to prioritize this scheme, which is deemed critical for road safety, congestion management, and supporting planned housing and economic growth in the district.
Braintree Village shopping centre has been approved to install electric vehicle charging stations in its north car park, replacing some parent-and-child parking bays which will be relocated elsewhere. The project supports the UK's net zero carbon objectives and will provide rapid charging infrastructure for electric vehicle users.
A serial shoplifter from Braintree was sentenced to 16 weeks in jail after stealing over £750 of goods from multiple local stores between January and February. The case demonstrates local law enforcement action against persistent retail crime in the area.
A new specialist classroom for pupils with special educational needs is being built at John Bunyan infant school in Braintree following district council approval. The detached modular building addresses an identified operational need at the school, though one resident raised traffic and safety concerns during consultation.
A Braintree man was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court for possessing over 2,000 indecent images and videos of children. Samuel Smith received a suspended 16-month sentence, unpaid work, and was added to the sex offender register for 10 years.
The B1018 Braintree Road next to the A120 will close completely for nearly a month starting March 27 for highway improvements related to the Persimmon Homes development of 250 new homes. The closure will require drivers to use a lengthy diversion route via the A12 and A120.
Heckler & Koch UK has acquired Braintree-based precision engineering firm Globe Engineering, expanding domestic weapon-system component manufacturing. Sir James Cleverly MP is expected to highlight the deal, which strengthens the UK's defence industrial capability and supply chain resilience.
Braintree Council is implementing changes to its bulky waste collection service from April 1, including revised pricing, updated collection guidelines, and a new digital booking system. The changes aim to improve cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility while maintaining service reliability.
Great Notley parkrun has partnered with Braintree Primary Care Network's Healthy Hearts initiative to promote cardiovascular health through free, accessible exercise and professional health support. The partnership demonstrates how community exercise schemes can contribute to NHS savings and preventative healthcare in the constituency.
Council tax bills have surged across the UK, with 96 councils now charging over £2,500 for Band D properties compared to 24 last year, disproportionately affecting poorer areas. Sir James Cleverly, as Shadow Communities Secretary, has criticised the government for breaking its promise to freeze council tax and ease the cost of living crisis.
Plans to dual the A120 between Braintree and the A12 have been shelved by the Government's latest Road Investment Strategy, marking the second delay to this long-awaited scheme. Witham MP Priti Patel has heavily criticised the decision, accusing Labour of betraying Essex and abandoning road safety improvements, particularly given planned housing increases in the area.
Campaigners in Kelvedon and Feering are opposing a draft local plan by Braintree District Council that would bring 5,000 new homes to the two villages over 15 years. The campaign group argues the area would be decimated, though the council and developer emphasise infrastructure benefits including schools, healthcare, and transport links.
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