Election 97

Dorset West

Current MP Sir James Spicer (Retiring)
Conservative 97 22,036
Labour 97 9,491
LibDem 97 20,196
Nationalist 97 0
Other 97 1,829
Elected party
Dorset West

Robert Waller wrote
Old constituency Dorset West
Conservative 92 27,766
Labour 92 7,082
LibDem 92 19,755
Nationalist 92 0
Other 92 0
Elected party Conservative

There is scant support for Labour in this most rural of Dorset's seats. This is ironic, because the constituency contains Tolpuddle, scene of trade union martyrdom. But in modern times, the Tories have become deeply entrenched in West Dorset's small towns - it contains Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport and Lyme Regis - and villages. The Conservatives never lose here, even in the face of strong Liberal Democrat challenges. The Lib Dems may shrink the Tory majority this time around, but - in spite of their strong showing in local elections - this is the best they can hope for.


Super Profiles

2,119 5.20 9.03 58
13,420 32.93 11.17 295
2,133 5.23 11.25 47
3,303 8.10 14.70 55
443 1.09 10.45 10
5,561 13.64 2.81 485
5,956 14.61 8.01 182
5,603 13.75 15.25 90
183 0.45 7.13 6
613 1.50 10.17 15