Labour finally triumphed in Chorley in 1997 after failing to come anywhere near dislodging popular Conservative MP Den Dover in 1983, 1987 and 1992. The constituency is based around the town of Chorley itself, which is usually inclined to Labour, and also includes the Labour stronghold of Adlington. However the seat also takes in a large number of Conservative-inclined villages such as Charnock Richard and Brindle and Hoghton, which all result in a highly marginal constituency.

The parliamentary seat shares the same boundaries as the local government borough, where Labour lost control in 2000. However, the Conservative lead barely exceeded 4%, and it is noticeable that Labour performed far better in some surrounding villages such as Eccleston and Heskin, and Withnell, than they had in the early 1990s. The continued wider appeal of 'New' Labour should ensure that Lindsay Hoyle (son of former Labour whip Doug, now Lord Hoyle) is able to fight off the challenge of Peter Booth when battle recommences.

Parliamentary Statistics pre-Election 2001

Labour majority 9,870 (17.1%)  Conservative target 140
MP Lindsay Hoyle
1997 (Turnout 77.6%)
Labour	30,607	53.0%
Conservative	20,737	35.9%
Liberal Democrat	4,900	8.5%
Referendum	1,319	2.3%
Other	143	0.2%

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For Chorley 2001 Election result - click here.