Fareham

Fareham, a rock-solid Tory constituency, is on the South-East Hampshire coast.

The western boundary of the constituency is the Solent and the River Hamble, one of the foremost sailing centres of the country. To the east, the boundary is Portsmouth Harbour.

Fareham has always had, and still does, strong naval connections - it is home to naval personnel based in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. The Ministry of Defence is a major customer for many local businesses.

Mark Hoban, the sitting MP, entered Parliament in 2001 and at the last election recorded a Tory majority of 11,700 over Labour. He is a chartered accountant and reputedly a ""dab hand in the kitchen"".