Here's a guide to what you'll need to know in the run up to the general election in May if you live in North Dorset.

We’ll be running in-depth looks at the likely issues, such as housing, transport, immigration and education, over the next few weeks. We’ll be covering hustings, inviting the candidates to pitch for your votes and taking a look at each constituency and the big questions voters want answers to.

2010 winner: Robert Walter

 

22.9% swing needed for Labour

7.1% swing needed for Liberal Democrats

The number of non-voters was more than twice the size of Mr Walter's majority.

Political history

The seat has existed since 1885, since which it has only been served by two parties - the Conservatives and the Liberal Democracts. It has been served by the Conservatives since 1950. Previous North Dorset MPs have included a polar explorer and Loch Ness monster researcher, a dog breeding expert and Crufts chairman, an expert on cereal crops, four knights, three Etonians, and four Oxonians.

Key statistics 

The population was recorded in the 2011 Census as 95,831, of whom 22 per cent were aged at least 65, some way above the national average of 16 per cent. Among households, 72 per cent owned their own property, while 26 per cent rented socially and privately, several points below the national average. Unemployment is at 3.8%  below the national average of 6.6%. The average house price is £227,950, £50,000 higher than the national average and nine times the average wage in the area.

Other reading