2001 Result: Won by LD, majority 12.6%

Profile: The Cheltenham constituency is predominantly middle class and includes many privately-owned Victorian and Regency properties, although there has also been substantial development in the past 50 years. Set in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds it is probably best known for its racecourse (which actually sits just inside the neighbouring constituency of Tewkesbury) and the Ladies' College. There is some local industry including a paper manufacture, as well as modern hi-tech start ups. Conveniently located on the A40 and M5 motorways, Cheltenham has become a centre for firms relocating out of London, such as Eagle Star insurance. The largest employer however is GCHQ - the government's communications headquartes and an arm of the intelligence services. The local economy is also very dependent on the defence industry, with large local employers including Smiths Aerospace and their sub-contractors. The seat has been held by Liberal Democrat Nigel Jones since 1992. Some local Conservative argued over how they lost that seat - with the choice of black candidate John Taylor and accusations of racism playing their part in that row. But the Lib Dems believed it was simply a triumph for the local campaigning of their man Nigel Jones, who had first contested the seat in 1979 (although he didn't do so in 1983 or 1987). Mr Jones has been a popular local figure, and has been twice re-elected handsomely. However, he is stepping down in 2005 partl

[More...]

2001 Result: Won by LD, majority 12.6%

Profile: The Cheltenham constituency is predominantly middle class and includes many privately-owned Victorian and Regency properties, although there has also been substantial development in the past 50 years. Set in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds it is probably best known for its racecourse (which actually sits just inside the neighbouring constituency of Tewkesbury) and the Ladies' College. There is some local industry including a paper manufacture, as well as modern hi-tech start ups. Conveniently located on the A40 and M5 motorways, Cheltenham has become a centre for firms relocating out of London, such as Eagle Star insurance. The largest employer however is GCHQ - the government's communications headquartes and an arm of the intelligence services. The local economy is also very dependent on the defence industry, with large local employers including Smiths Aerospace and their sub-contractors. The seat has been held by Liberal Democrat Nigel Jones since 1992. Some local Conservative argued over how they lost that seat - with the choice of black candidate John Taylor and accusations of racism playing their part in that row. But the Lib Dems believed it was simply a triumph for the local campaigning of their man Nigel Jones, who had first contested the seat in 1979 (although he didn't do so in 1983 or 1987). Mr Jones has been a popular local figure, and has been twice re-elected handsomely. However, he is stepping down in 2005 partly due to ongoing health problems resulting from the sword attack on his constituency surgery in 2000, which injured him badly and killed his friend and assistant Andrew Pennington.

[Less...]