When rapidly expanding Milton Keynes was divided in 1992, Labour always fancied their chances in the new South West constituency. The seat includes areas of traditional Labour strength in Wolverton and Bletchley, as well as the inevitable new housing estates around the somewhat bizarre 'centre' of Milton Keynes itself and, more importantly, none of the rural areas which so often hinder the party's chances elsewhere. Labour's failure here in 1992 (Barry Legg's majority exceeding 4,500) proved symbolic of the party's general failure to make a breakthrough that year, but there was to be no repeat in 1997 when former Oxford City Council leader Phyllis Starkey was elected with what looks to be a comfortable majority of over 10,000.

Since 1997 this has been one of the very few Labour gains which have been held in both European and local elections. Even when Labour's vote elsewhere dived in May 2000, they out-polled the Conservatives in Milton Keynes South West by approximately 5%, all of which means that Conservative candidate Iain Stewart will have his work cut out when the general election is called.

Parliamentary Statistics pre-Election 2001

Labour majority 10,292 (20.3%)  Conservative target 161
MP Phyllis Starkey
1997 (Turnout 71.4%)
Labour	27,298	53.8%
Conservative	17,006	33.5%
Liberal Democrat	6,065	11.9%
Other	389	0.8%

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For Milton Keynes South West South 2001 Election result - click here.