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> United Kingdom > England > South West > South West
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| Established | November 24, 1885 |
| Disbanded | Still Active |
| Contributor | RP |
| Last Modified | RBH September 11, 2021 04:41pm |
| Description | South Dorset is predominantly a rural seat, despite including the seaside resort of Weymouth, the Isle of Portland and the Isle of Purbeck. In the east, it includes Swanage and reaches almost as far as the outskirts of Poole. The seat's heritage coastline offers many peculiarities - stacks, arches, spits and bars, and the majestic Lulworth Cove. There is also the on-shore oil field at Wytch Farm, the atomic energy experimental establishment at Winfrith (currently being decommissioned), and the Portland stone and Purbeck marble quarries. Indeed, stone from Portland has gone to build most of this country's cathedrals. Other points of interest are the Bovington Tank Museum, Lawrence of Arabia's old house at Cloud's Hill, Corfe Castle and many features associated with the novels of Thomas Hardy. Weymouth is the largest town, with ferry links to France and a certain amount of light industry, while other centres of population are the resorts of Swanage and Studland. Tourism and defence are the biggest employers, and, allied to a large farming community, form the bedrock of Tory support. However, the presence of ailing seaside towns like Weymouth and Swanage has contributed to a long-standing Labour vote which is much greater than that for any comparable seats. After just missing out on the seat by 77 votes in 1997, this was Labour's key target in 2001 and after an extremely intensive campaign, Jim Knight was elected as the party's only MP in Dorset by 153 votes. |
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