Conspiracy theories about local political issues

Conspiracy theories typically accuse national governments and other powerful groups of secret and malevolent actions. However, conspiracy theories also exist at the level of local politics. In two studies focusing on local community issues in the United Kingdom—the building of a pedestrian plaza in a small seaside town and the establishment of a low emission traffic zone in London—we examined the variables associated with conspiracy beliefs about local political issues. Although the two types of conspiracy beliefs had some unique correlates, common correlates were lower feelings of efficacy about local politics, more anger about the relevant issue, and higher belief in other conspiracy theories. Local political conspiracy beliefs were not associated with intentions to engage in normative or non-normative political actions. We conclude that although conspiracy theories exist in local politics and correlate with a range of psychological factors, they are not necessarily linked to political action.