Carlisle
Notional 2005 Results:
Labour: 17517 (45.7%)
Conservative: 13448 (35.1%)
Liberal Democrat: 6180 (16.1%)
Other: 1217 (3.2%)
Majority: 4069 (10.6%)
Actual 2005 result
Conservative: 11324 (32%)
Labour: 17019 (48.1%)
Liberal Democrat: 5916 (16.7%)
UKIP: 792 (2.2%)
Other: 343 (1%)
Majority: 5695 (16.1%)
2001 Result
Conservative: 12154 (34.8%)
Labour: 17856 (51.2%)
Liberal Democrat: 4076 (11.7%)
Other: 823 (2.4%)
Majority: 5702 (16.3%)
1997 Result
Conservative: 12641 (29%)
Labour: 25031 (57.4%)
Liberal Democrat: 4576 (10.5%)
Referendum: 1233 (2.8%)
Other: 126 (0.3%)
Majority: 12390 (28.4%)
Boundary changes: gains Wetheral and part of Stanwix Urban ward.
Profile: Carlisle is located in the extreme north-west of England, near the Scottish border. The seat covers the city of Carlisle itself and the surrounding rural area to the South and West, including Dalston and the more affluent dormitory village of Wetheral to the East. Carlisle is a compact town, historically its position near the border made it an important strategic stronghold and the castle and city walls remain relatively intact. Local indistries includes Carrs Biscuits and the headquarters of the Eddie Stobart haulage firm.
The city was hit by severe flooding in 2005 and significant redevelopment of the city centre is currently underway. From 2007 the city will be the site of the University of Cumbria, formed from the Cumbria campuses of the University of Central Lancashire.
The seat has been held by Labour since 1964 but is increasingly becoming a Conservative target seat and subsequent boundary reviews add rural wards to the s/p>
Outgoing MP: Eric Martlew(Labour) born 1949, Makerfield. Educated at Harraby secondary and Carlisle College. Prior to his election was a lab tecnicaian and personnel manager at Nestle. Former Carlisle Borough councillor (1972-4) and Cumbria County Councillor (1973-88). First elected as MP for Carlisle 1987. Opposition whip 1996-7, shadow defence minister 1992-97. PPS to Baroness Jay until 2005. Will stand down at next election (more information at They work for you)
Candidates: John Stevenson (Conservative) Solicitor. Carlisle councillor.
Michael Boaden (Labour) Carlisle councillor. Contested Penrith and the Border 2001, 2005.
Neil Hughes (Liberal Democrat)
John Reardon (Green) Born Carlisle. Teacher. Former Carlisle councillor for the Labour party.
Michael Owen (UKIP)
Peter Howe (Independent) Former policeman. Runs a fireplace store.
2001 Census Demographics
Total 2001 Population: 80454
Male: 48.2%
Female: 51.8%
Under 18: 21.5%
Over 60: 23%
Born outside UK: 2.6%
White: 99%
Asian: 0.3%
Mixed: 0.3%
Other: 0.3%
Christian: 80.3%
Full time students: 3%
Graduates 16-74: 14.1%
No Qualifications 16-74: 32.9%
Owner-Occupied: 69.8%
Social Housing: 19.9% (Council: 17%, Housing Ass.: 2.9%)
Privately Rented: 6.8%
Homes without central heating and/or private bathroom: 13.8%
Yes the SWP are involved.
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=20159
Please see attached website of my campaign to restore the great border city to a proper left MP.
This is becoming a 2 horse race in Carlisle between ourselves and the tories.