This constituency is found to the south of Gloucester and is contained within the area covered by Stroud District Council, covering the edge of the Cotswolds and the Severn Vale.
It includes two major market towns - Stroud in the north and Dursley in the south - as well as four other market towns - Minchinhampton, Nailsworth, Berkeley and Stonehouse. There is much rural hinterland too, with sizeable communities there including Cam, Cainscross and Rodborough.
The town of Berkeley has several interesting connections. The Berkeley family dates back to 1066, and is connected with Berkeley University in California and Berkeley Square in London. Furthermore, it was in the dungeons of Berkeley Castle that Edward II was murdered.
Edward Jenner was brought up and eventually retired in Berkeley, having dedicated his much of his life to preventing smallpox; his house is now a museum.
The Green Party saw its third best performance in the country here in 1997. The Greens are strong locally and have recently seen candidates elected to the local council. This is Labour’s 20th most vulnerable seat, and one which the Conservatives could win back with a swing of 2.4%.
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