Information

A predominantly rural constituency, running right up to the south east of the city of Leicester and encompassing the suburbs of Oadby and Wigston, in addition to the rapidly expanding town of Market Harborough.

Oadby, the smaller of the two, contains student halls of residence from Leicester University (many of which are converted manor houses of old textile magnates) while Wigston, an old railway town, is more mixed.

Market Harborough is said to be one of the most prosperous market towns in the country and is attracting increasing numbers of commuters who work in London. This pressure for housing has led to increased speculation by housebuilders on farmland surrounding the town - an issue that causes particular concern.

The numbers directly employed in farming have declined over the past few decades, although farming and related services remain a major focus of the constituency. The good grassland around the Welland Valley has attracted stock farmers over the centuries, but more recently some dairy and arable farms have also sprung up.