Leicestershire's vote to leave the EU about 'independence' not 'immigration'

In the Shires of Leicestershire, for most of the people I’ve spoken to today, the EU referendum seems to have been about taking back control of the national character and the economy as much as the national borders.

The 'I' word here is not immigration – but independence.

And one week on, as I drive through the cities, towns and villages, despite the constant wailing from the losers down South, I’m picking up few regrets from the winners in the towns and cities of the Midlands.

But what there is, from both the Remain and Leave voters, is a desire for the politicians to stop "squabbling like children" and show some leadership.

It’s a good moment for a strong leader to emerge.

There is also resentment that the people’s vote is being scorned: one grandmother told me the Government was blaming the elderly, the poor and the provinces for daring to tell their “betters down South in London” what they felt.

Speaking this morning to three generations of the same family, social worker, fire-worker and nurse, I found three public sector workers who all voted 'out'.

Yes, they resent the cuts and austerity but they told me it was more than that. They voted out because they regret what they see as diminishing respect for the way of life and values they hold dear.

I think behind this vote is a concern that our national character is being eroded and that nothing cohesive or inspiring is emerging to take its place.

London with its easy sense of self, and it’s economic miracle is only a couple of hours away from here – but it feels like another country.

Travelling in the Midlands all week I have picked up a sense that some people here feel for too long they have been participants in an unfair and unequal fight - and that this was their chance to land a punch.

In places where there is deprivation and pressure on public services like Perry Barr in Birmingham, this has produced anti-migrant feelings, but in the shires of Leicestershire where I am today, it has not.

And these places voted to Leave too and for reasons they want to be respected.

They want a new type of politics where the self-serving and the bland don’t emerge as the winners - Boris Johnson would do nicely for most thank you very much in these Tory shires.

They want what they believe to be 'project fear' to abate.

But what they want most of all perhaps is a new sense of national identity, strong political leadership and optimism.

None of which, they say, is currently being provided.