View source for Rushmoor

{{About|the district of Hampshire|other places with the same name}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
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<!-- Elements common to United Kingdom -->| timezone           = [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]
| utc_offset         = 0
| timezone_DST       = [[British Summer Time|BST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +1

<!-- Elements common to administrative division of this type (English two-tier district) -->| settlement_type    = [[Borough]] and [[non-metropolitan district]]
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Constituent country]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Regions of England|Region]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Non-metropolitan county]]
| subdivision_type4  = Status
| subdivision_type5  = Admin HQ
| subdivision_name   = [[United Kingdom]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[England]]
| subdivision_name4  = [[Non-metropolitan district]]
| government_type    = Non-metropolitan district council
| leader_title       = Leadership
| leader_title1      = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MPs]]
| established_title1 = Incorporated
| population_density_km2 = auto
| blank1_name        = [[ONS coding system|ONS code]]
| blank2_name        = [[Ordnance Survey National Grid|OS grid reference]]

<!-- Elements unique to this article -->| official_name      = Rushmoor
| image_skyline      = Wellington Monument - geograph.org.uk - 2864034.jpg
| imagesize          = 280px
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = [[Wellington Monument]] in [[Aldershot]]
| image_shield       = 
| shield_size        = 
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| image_map          = Rushmoor UK locator map.svg
| mapsize            = 
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| map_caption        = Rushmoor shown within Hampshire
| subdivision_name2  = [[South East England]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Hampshire]]
| subdivision_name5  = [[Farnborough, Hampshire|Farnborough]]
| established_date1  = 1 April 1974
| governing_body     = Rushmoor Borough Council
| leader_name1       = [[Alex Baker]]
| area_total_km2     = 39.0
| area_rank          = {{English district area rank|GSS=E07000092}} [[List of English districts by area|(of {{English district total}})]]
| population_total   = {{English district population|GSS=E07000092}}
| population_as_of   = {{English statistics year}}
| population_rank    = {{English district rank|GSS=E07000092}} [[List of English districts by population|(of {{English district total}})]]
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->| demographics_type1 = Ethnicity <span style="font-weight:normal;">([[2021 United Kingdom census|2021]])</span>
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="2021 Nomis">{{NOMIS2021|id=E07000092|title=Rushmoor Local Authority|access-date=5 January 2024}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[Ethnic groups in the United Kingdom|Ethnic groups]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{Collapsible list
 | 77.4% [[White people in the United Kingdom|White]]
 | 14.7% [[British Asians|Asian]]
 | 2.8% [[Ethnic groups in the United Kingdom|other]]
 | 2.6% [[Mixed (United Kingdom ethnicity category)|Mixed]]
 | 2.5% [[Black British people|Black]]
 }}
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->| demographics_type2 = Religion <span style="font-weight:normal;">(2021)</span>
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="2021 Nomis"/>
| demographics2_title1 = [[Religion in England|Religion]]
| demographics2_info1 = {{Collapsible list
 | 42.3% [[Religion in England#Christianity|Christianity]]
 | 37.9% [[Irreligion in the United Kingdom|no religion]]
 | 5.3% not stated
 | 5.7% [[Hinduism in England|Hinduism]]
 | 4.7% [[Buddhism in England|Buddhism]]
 | 2.5% [[Islam in England|Islam]]
 | 1.2% [[Religion in England|other]]
 | 0.2% [[Sikhism in England|Sikhism]]
 | 0.1% [[History of the Jews in England|Judaism]]
 }}
| blank1_info        = 24UL (ONS)<br />E07000092 (GSS)
| blank2_info        = {{gbmappingsmall|SU8567753918}}
}}

'''Rushmoor''' is a [[Non-metropolitan district|local government district]] with [[Borough status in the United Kingdom|borough status]] in [[Hampshire]], England. It covers the towns of [[Farnborough, Hampshire|Farnborough]] and [[Aldershot]], the former of which is the location of the council.

The neighbouring districts are [[Hart District|Hart]], [[Surrey Heath]], [[Borough of Guildford|Guildford]] and [[Borough of Waverley|Waverley]].

==History==
The district was created on 1 April 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]], covering the whole area of two former districts, which were both abolished at the same time:<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref>
*[[Aldershot]] [[Municipal Borough]]
*[[Farnborough, Hampshire|Farnborough]] [[Urban district (England and Wales)|Urban District]]
The new district was named Rushmoor, taking its name from an old area of [[heath]] on the west side of the borough, known for [[Rushmoor Arena]], a military showground constructed in 1923.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the council |url=https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/your-council/about-rushmoor-borough-council/history-of-the-council/ |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Names) Order 1973|year=1973|number=551|access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref> The new district was granted borough status from its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Councils and Boroughs |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1974/mar/28/district-councils-and-boroughs#S5CV0871P0_19740328_CWA_145 |website=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |access-date=4 December 2021 |date=28 March 1974}}</ref>

In May 2000, a referendum was held on whether to change the name of the borough. Two alternative names were suggested in place of Rushmoor: ''Aldershot and Farnborough'' or ''Farnborough and Aldershot''. In the event, more than 81% of those who voted chose to retain the name, on a turnout of 29%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Referendum results - Change of borough name |url=http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=848 |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624062651/http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=848 |archive-date=24 June 2004}}</ref>

The population of the area that would become Rushmoor was 1,366 in 1801, growing to 39,616 in 1901. It was over 100,000 at 2021 census.

==Governance==
{{Infobox legislature
|name=Rushmoor Borough Council
|logo_pic = Rushmoor Borough Council logo.svg
|logo_res = 200px
|house_type = Non-metropolitan district
|leader1_type = [[Mayors in England|Mayor]]
|leader1 = Calum Stewart
|party1= <br/>[[Independent politician|Independent]]
|election1= 20 May 2025<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes, 20 May 2025 |url=https://democracy.rushmoor.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=1529 |website=Rushmoor Borough Council | date=20 May 2025 |access-date=23 May 2025}}</ref>
|leader2_type = [[Leader of the Council|Leader]]
|leader2 = Gareth Williams
|party2= <br/>[[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]
|election2= 21 May 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=New Leader sets out priorities for Rushmoor and appoints new Cabinet |url=https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/your-council/news-and-your-views/council-news/news-releases/may-2024/new-leader-sets-out-priorities-for-rushmoor-and-appoints-new-cabinet/ |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=5 July 2024 |date=23 May 2024}}</ref>
|leader3_type = [[Chief Executive|Managing Director]] (interim)
|leader3 = Ian Harrison
|party3= <!-- Non-political role -->
|election3= April 2025<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weakley |first1=Kirsty |title=Deputy named interim MD after chief made redundant |url=https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/workforce/deputy-named-interim-md-after-chief-made-redundant-14-04-2025/ |access-date=27 May 2025 |work=Local Government Chronicle |date=14 April 2025}}</ref>
|political_groups1 =
;Administration (16)
:{{Color box |{{party color|Labour Party (UK)}} |border=darkgray}} [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] (16)
;Other parties (22)
:{{Color box |{{party color|Conservative Party (UK)}} |border=darkgray}} [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] (14)
:{{nowrap|{{Color box |{{party color|Liberal Democrats (UK)}} |border=darkgray}} [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] (3)}}
:{{nowrap|{{Color box |{{party color|Independent}} |border=darkgray}} [[Independent Politician |Independent]] (6)}}
|seats=39 councillors 
|structure1 = 
|structure1_res=250
|last_election1 = [[2024 Rushmoor Borough Council election|2 May 2024]]
|next_election1 = 7 May 2026
|term_length=4 years 
|session_room = Council offices, Meudon Avenue, Farnborough - geograph.org.uk - 4196110.jpg
|session_res =
|meeting_place = Council Offices, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, GU14{{nbsp}}7JU
|website={{URL|www.rushmoor.gov.uk}}
}}

Rushmoor Borough Council provides [[Non-metropolitan district|district-level]] services. [[Non-metropolitan county|County-level]] services are provided by [[Hampshire County Council]]. There are no [[civil parish]]es in the borough, which is an [[unparished area]].<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government Act 1972|year=1972|chapter=70|access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=10 November 2023}}</ref> The council is due to be scrapped with its domain incorporated into a [[unitary authority]] in 2027 or 2028.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hudson | first=Emily | title=Consulation on Hampshire and Isle of Wight councils merger plans opens | website=BBC News | date=2025-06-30 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2ly25d8p3o | access-date=2025-09-04}}</ref>

===Political control===
Following a series of defections from the [[Labour Party(UK)|Labour Party]], the council has been in a state of [[no overall control]] since September 2025, with Labour leading a minority administration.<ref name=BBC2Sep2025/> Prior to this the council had been under Labour majority control since the [[2024 Rushmoor Borough Council election|2024 election]]; the first time the party had won a majority on the council in its history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jennifer |date=3 May 2024 |title=Local elections 2024: Labour pulling off strong wins with 'truly historic' shock in Tory stronghold − as results show Brexit shift |url=https://news.sky.com/story/labour-wins-brexit-strongholds-as-early-local-election-results-come-in-13127858 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Sky News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stafford |first1=Stephen |title=Labour gain first win in Rushmoor |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv27184xxp3o |access-date=5 July 2024 |work=BBC News |date=3 May 2024}}</ref>

The first election to the council was held in 1973, initially acting as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until the new arrangements took effect on 1 April 1974.<ref name=compositions>{{cite web |title=Compositions Calculator |url=https://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/composition_calc.html |access-date=26 November 2024 |website=The Elections Centre |publisher=University of Exeter}} (Put "Rushmoor" in search box to see specific results.)</ref><ref name=change>{{cite news| url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/elections/local_council/08/html/24ul.stm | title = Rushmoor | access-date = 2009-09-12 | work = [[BBC News Online]] | date=2008-04-19}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan=2|Party in control || Years
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}} || 1974–1976
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || 1976–1980
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}} || 1980–1982
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || 1982–1995
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}} || 1995–2000
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || 2000–2024
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}} || 2024–2025
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}}<ref name=BBC2Sep2025>{{cite news |last1=Stafford |first1=Stephen |title=Labour loses council control after resignations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2enem0dm4jo |access-date=6 September 2025 |work=BBC News |date=2 September 2025}}</ref> || 2025–present
|}

===Leadership===
The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Rushmoor. Political leadership is instead provided by the [[leader of the council]]. The leaders since 2001 have been:

{| class=wikitable
! Councillor !! colspan=2|Party !! From !! To
|-
| John Marsh<ref>{{cite news |title=Long-serving Farnborough councillor becomes mayor of Rushmoor |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/long-serving-farnborough-councillor-becomes-mayor-of-rushmoor |access-date=26 December 2024 |work=In Your Area |date=1 June 2022}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=right|2001 || align=right|May 2005
|-
| Peter Moyle<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes, 24 May 2005 |url=http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk//index.cfm?articleid=4856 |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022235218/http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk//index.cfm?articleid=4856 |archive-date=22 October 2011}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=right|24 May 2005 || align=right|May 2016
|-
| David Clifford<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes, 24 May 2016 |url=https://democracy.rushmoor.gov.uk/documents/s2115/Annual%20Council%20Meeting%20-%2024th%20May%202016.pdf |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=right|24 May 2016 || align=right|7 Dec 2023
|-
| Gareth Lyon<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes, 7 December 2023 |url=https://democracy.rushmoor.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=1396 |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=right|7 Dec 2023 ||align=right|May 2024
|-
| Gareth Williams<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes, 21 May 2024 |url=https://democracy.rushmoor.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=1399 |website=Rushmoor Borough Council |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}} || align=right|21 May 2024||
|}

===Composition===
Following the [[2024 Rushmoor Borough Council election|2024 election]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Local elections 2024: full mayoral and council results for England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2024/may/02/local-elections-2024-full-council-results-for-england |access-date=21 May 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=4 May 2024}}</ref> and subsequent changes of party allegiances up to September 2025, the composition of the council was:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boothroyd |first1=David |title=Kirklees leader defection |url=https://www.localcouncils.co.uk/2024/05/kirklees-leader-defection/ |access-date=5 July 2024 |work=Local Councils |publisher=Thorncliffe |date=24 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=Thorncliffe>{{cite web |title=Rushmoor |url=https://www.localcouncils.co.uk/councils/?council=rushmoor |website=Local Councils |publisher=Thorncliffe |access-date=6 September 2025}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan=2| Party
! Councillors
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}} || align=center|16
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=center|14
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Liberal Democrats (UK)}} || align=center|3
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Independent }} || align=center|6
|-
! colspan=2|Total !! align=center|39
|}
Of the six independent councillors, five (all of whom were elected as Labour councillors) sit together as the "Rushmoor Independent Group". The next election is due in May 2026.<ref name=Thorncliffe/>

===Elections===
{{see also|Rushmoor Borough Council elections}}
Since the last boundary changes in 2012 the council has comprised 39 [[councillor]]s representing 13 [[Wards and electoral divisions of the United Kingdom|wards]], with each ward electing three councillors. Elections are held three years out of every four, with a third of the council (one councillor for each ward) elected each time for a four-year term of office. [[Hampshire County Council elections]] are held in the fourth year of the cycle when there are no borough council elections.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Rushmoor (Electoral Changes) Order 2012|year=2012|number=161|access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref>

===Premises===
On its creation in 1974 the council's offices were divided between the buildings inherited from its predecessor authorities, being [[Aldershot Town Hall]] and [[Farnborough Town Hall]]. Shortly afterwards the council decided to replace both buildings with a single headquarters. A site known as Elles Mess in Farnborough was bought from the [[British Army]] and a new building called Council Offices built there, which was completed in 1981.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garvey |first1=John |title=Rushmoor moves into the space age |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search-newspapers |access-date=13 November 2023 |work=Farnborough News |date=9 October 1981 |page=10}}</ref>

==Economy==
===Aviation===
The Borough of Rushmoor stated that [[Farnborough Airfield]], including the RAE, historically was a major employment area in Rushmoor. In the 1960s, over 10,000 employees worked at the airport. In May 1996, 5,800 jobs, 13% of the total jobs in Rushmoor, were at the airport.<ref>"[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110927103000/http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/media/adobepdf/local_plan_review-11.pdf Rushmoor Local Plan Review (1996–2011)]" Rushmoor Borough Council. 126 (2/39). Retrieved on September 30, 2010.</ref> In June 2009, TAG submitted an application to increase the total number of flight movements from 28000 a year to a maximum of 50,000 a year and to increase the number of flight movements at weekends and on Bank Holidays from 5,000 a year to 8,900 a year.  This went to appeal and the secretary of state allowed it to go ahead in February 2011, overruling the Borough Council' refusal.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/2564/Farnborough-Airports-planning-history | title = Farnborough Airport's planning history | access-date = 2015-01-04 | publisher = Rushmoor Borough Council}}</ref>

{{main|Air Accidents Investigation Branch}}
The [[Air Accidents Investigation Branch]] (AAIB), the British aviation accident investigation agency, is based within the airport.<ref>"[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081218125349/http://www.aaib.gov.uk/reporting_an_accident/additional_information.cfm Additional information]." Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Retrieved on 2 May 2010.</ref>

==Demographics==

According to the UK census in 2021, Rushmoor has the highest number of Buddhists in England and Wales, at 4.7% of the population.<ref>https://www.ons.gov.uk/census/maps/choropleth/identity/religion/religion-tb/buddhist/ Office of National Statistics: Census maps 2021: Religion</ref> The area contains the [[Aldershot Buddhist Centre]], a [[Nepalis|Nepali]] [[Vajrayana]] temple founded by immigrant communities.

==Twin towns - sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in the United Kingdom}}
Rushmoor is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref name="Rushmoor twinning">{{cite web|url=https://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/internationalpartners|title=Rushmoor - Our international partner towns |access-date = 2020-10-27|work=Rushmoor Borough Council}}</ref>
*[[Dayton, Ohio]], United States ''(since 2019)''
*[[Gorkha Municipality]], Nepal ''(since 2020)''
*[[Meudon]], France ''(since 1974)''
*[[Oberursel]], Germany ''(since 1989)''
*[[Rzeszów]], Poland ''(since 2019)''
*[[Sulechów]], Poland ''(since 2001)''

==See also==
{{Portal|Hampshire}}
*[[Howard N. Cole]], Borough Remembrancer for Aldershot, 1963–1974

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/ Rushmoor Borough Council]
*[http://www.rushmoorarena.co.uk/ Rushmoor Arena]
{{Commons category|Borough of Rushmoor|Rushmoor}}
{{Hampshire}}
{{SE_England}}

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[[Category:Rushmoor| ]]
[[Category:Non-metropolitan districts of Hampshire]]
[[Category:Boroughs in England]]