This is one of many traditionally Labour seats which had a flirtation with the Conservatives in the 1980s, but this returned to the Labour fold a cycle earlier than most, in 1992. In Nuneatonís case, it was more the result of a collapse in the third-party vote - which in 1983 had almost pushed Labour to third place - which affected this more rapid about-turn. Labour now dominates on the council, and even though the Conservatives doubled their tally in the 2000 local elections, they still hold only 10 seats to Labourís 35.
This is a district with some very picturesque parts, and models itself as "George Eliot country"; Coombe Abbey and Country Park are popular local attractions and there are many much-frequented country house-style hotels in the region. Communication links are excellent, with the M6 passing through here, as well as such ancient routes as the Fosse Way and Watling Street - the latter forming the eastern border of the seat. These major routes have enabled the towns of Nuneaton and Bedworth to expand in terms of both housing and business occupation, and small industries also flourish here, most notably in the form of light engineering works.