Christchurch constituency profile

With the exception of the 1993 by-election, where voters elected Liberal Democrat candidate Diana Maddock, it has been a Conservative stronghold since 1974 and could be considered one of the safest seats in the South West.

Current Tory MP Chris Chope, who has occupied the seat since 1997, has managed to increase his majority in the past three elections.

But the world of politics has been rocked since the last election, with Westminster brought into disrepute over the expenses scandal, causing even the safest of seats a sense of uneasiness in the run-up to the election.

While voting history suggests Mr Chope may not have anything to worry about, most MPs may be slightly fearful about what their constituents will do when they get to the polling booths.

Although he didn’t appear in the list of the worst expenses offenders, Mr Chope successfully appealed against Sir Thomas Legg’s demand for repayment of a £300 telephone bill from 2004.

The Christchurch MP claimed £6,693.90 in the first quarter of 2009/10 and a total of £19,933.63 in 2008/2009. The claims included £4,000 for food and £2,491.18 for carpet.

Included in the Christchurch constituency is the main borough of the town as well as St Leonards, Verwood, Three Legged Cross, Ferndown and West Parley.

Although Tory councillors at Christchurch Borough Council form a strong majority with four Liberal Democrat councillors and three Independent councillors, the UK Independence Party will be hoping to do well in the area after making gains in the county council elections last year.

One of the key issues for the area given that Christchurch is known as Britain’s pensioner capital, will be each party’s policy concerning the elderly.

Christchurch has the highest proportion of pensioners in the country and it is believed that one in three people living in the borough is a pensioner.

While the subject of the country’s economic recovery is expected to form a major part of the main parties’ electoral campaign, closer to home many pensioners are worried about what specific help they are going to get with paying the next bill that drops through the letterbox.

The future of the local hospital may also prove an issue for local people with services being transferred to Bournemouth and a consultation about the future of the hospital currently taking place (until April 23).

Other concerns for the voting electorate in the area will focus upon affordable housing, facilities for the youngsters in the area and jobs.

But it seems that ultimately the big issue of this election for people in Christchurch will boil down to which party is able to provide the most convincing framework to propel the country into economic recovery.

The main candidates

Christopher Chope

Conservative – Christopher Chope. Former MP for Southampton Itchen and Minister of State at the Treasury and Minister for Roads and Traffic from 1990-1992.

He is currently chairman for Conservative Way Forward and lives with his wife Christine, with whom he has two children, Antonia and Philip.

Martyn Hurll

Liberal Democrat – Martyn Hurll. Investment marketing manager, who has lived in Christchurch for 20 years and was educated at Bournemouth School for Boys. Worked closely with Diana Maddock during her time as MP for Christchurch.

Rob Deeks

Labour – Robert Deeks. Married father-of-two, is currently finance manager of a life science and technology company.

David Williams

UKIP – David Williams. Born in Christchurch and educated at Twynham School. He is an active member of the Priory Church and has been a member of UKIP for six years.