Several big brewers, such as Bass and Marstons, remain in the town and the Bass Museum, dedicated to the history of the industry, is one of Burton’s attractions.

Other major companies, such as Littlewoods and JCB, are also large employers in the constituency.

The town of Burton itself only accounts for around half the electorate. The constituency is twenty miles wide and also incorporates the town of Uttoxeter and large rural swathes which have tended to be staunchly Tory.

Local MP Janet Dean was selected from an all-woman shortlist, but is far from a being a New Labour loyalist.

She voted against the government over NATS privatisation and is regarded as a supporter of John Prescott.