Beeston is a thriving market town, whereas Stapleford and Kimberley, a former mining town, are struggling a little more.

There are a few very rich suburbs such as those near Bramcote.

Major employers in the constituency include Boots and Siemen Communications, but many residents commute outside the area, to Nottingham in particular.

Labour has been building its position in Broxtowe since 1987 when they squeezed the Liberal Democrats into third place where they have remained ever since.

Nick Palmer’s victory for the Labour Party in 1997 was, however, surprising, especially considering he overturned a Conservative majority of almost 10,000 and secured a 5,575 majority.

Broxtowe in many senses is a typical “Middle England” seat, with a large, comfortable middle class and little extremes of either rich or poor.

It is Labour’s 63rd most vulnerable seat and the Conservatives need a swing of 4.8% to win.