Unlike the other Leicester seats, where Labour support is significantly bolstered by the large ethnic minority populations, Leicester West has a non-white population of only 15%. Labour support here stems from the working class white population; over a third of homes are council rented. Leicester West is the only seat in the City of Leicester which was Labour throughout the Thatcher years.
The Lib Dems have, in the past, posed the biggest threat to Labour here. Many of the most working class wards such as North Braunstone and Mowmacre are actually controlled by the Liberal Democrats on City of Leicester Council. Labour control four wards while the Lib Dems control five: Mowmacre, North Braunstone, Rowley Fields, St Augustines, and Western Park.
The textile industry has traditionally been a major employer in Leicester. The main textile firm in Leicester West is Richard Roberts. Regeneration is an important issue in Leicester West where £50m of New Deal money has been awarded to North Braunstone, and £17m of Single Regeneration Budget money to Mowmacre, Beaumont Leys and Stocking Farm; areas with large council estates.
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