Southampton Itchen

This is traditionally a safe Labour constituency, although it has twice elected a Conservative MP in recent years.

The present incumbent, Cabinet Minister John Denham retained the constituency in 2005 with a majority of more than 9,000 over the Conservatives.

The constituency covers the city centre, the eastern port areas, the exclusive Ocean Village quarter and the inner city council estates including the impoverished Thornhill area.

It is seen as the more working class of the two constituencies in the city.