Hazel Grove Sir Tom Arnold 15,069 5,882 26,883 0 451 Hazel Grove 24,479 6,390 23,550 0 204 Conservative It is sometimes thought that the Liberal Democrats' strength, and chances of gains, are concentrated on the fringes of Britain, in Scotland, the English West Country, and Wales. Though this is generally true, they do have some excellent opportunities in the heart of England - and one of the very best of all is Hazel Grove. The Liberal Democrats and their predecessors have almost always been close to winning this largely suburban seat in southern Greater Manchester. Indeed Michael Winstanley did win it for them when it was first carved out of the old Cheadle seat in February 1974. Sir Tom Arnold then gained it in October 1974, and has held it, Houdini-like, ever since - the last time by just 929 votes. This was against many predictions, based on almost complete Liberal Democrat dominance in the wards of Stockport Borough that make up the seat: Hazel Grove itself, Marple, Bredbury, Romiley, and Great Moor. Now, however, Sir Tom has announced his retirement on the grounds of ill health, and his chosen successor Brendan Murphy must hope for a miracle to hold off the renewed challenge of Andrew Stunell. The Liberal Democrats have their best chance ever of regaining Hazel Grove.

	5,791	16.75	9.03	185
	5,973	17.28	11.17	155
	6,728	19.46	11.25	173
	6,283	18.17	14.70	124
	132	0.38	10.45	4
	85	0.25	2.81	9
	993	2.87	8.01	36
	4,960	14.35	15.25	94
	2,105	6.09	7.13	85
	1,169	3.38	10.17	33