The constituency covers the same area as Liberal Democrat controlled Winchester City Council. The LibDems took control of the council in 1994, it had previously been under no overall control. The Conservatives had lost control of the council in 1986.

Apart from Winchester itself, the seat covers the small towns of Twyford, New Arlesford, Bishop's Waltham, Denmead and Wickham. Tourism is a growing industry but there is no great need for the extra income it brings to the constituency.

During the 1980s Winchester was the richest city in England with the highest per capita income and one of the lowest levels of unemployment (in 1988 just 2.2%). Since 1991 there have been some significant changes which have knocked Winchester off its top spot. The abolition of the regional health authority in 1995, the transfer of the district health authority's headquarters to Basingstoke and defence cuts have all led to job losses in Winchester in recent years. But the area is still affluent and unemployment is still low. The seat is a popular commuter base for London professionals.

Candidates

Conservative: Gerry Malone. Aged 47, former solicitor and journalist. MP for Winchester 1992-97; Health Minister 1994-97; Deputy Chairman, Conservative Party 1992-94; MP for Aberdeen South 1986-87; Assistant Government Whip 1986-87.

Liberal Democrats: Mark Oaten. Aged 33, former Managing Director, Westminster Public Relations. MP for Winchester 1997; Junior Spokesperson on Social Security & Welfare 1997; Cllr, Waltham BC 1986-94; Contested Watford 1992. Wrote in Liberal Democrat News, "I am very pleased that the judges have decided to order a by-election. It would have been a complete injustice to try and overturn the result and I am glad that they decided I should remain the MP for Winchester until a writ is moved for a by-election later this month," (17 October 1997)

Labour: Patrick Davies. Solicitor, aged 54. Contested Winchester at 1997 General Election.

The other candidates are:

Rosemary Barry - Natural Law Party
Roger Everest - Euro Conservative
Richard Huggett - Literal Democrat Mark Here To Win
Robin Page - Referendum / UK Independence Alliance
Lord David Sutch - Official Monster Raving Looney Party

 

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