This constituency, despite being in the commuter belt ringing London, is essentially rural in character. The borough of Runnymede is named after the meadows where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215. The meadows have changed little in the intervening years. There is hardly any indigenous industry, and most of the seat's workforce are in professional or management positions. Unemployment is low at around 3% and 76% of homes are owner-occupied. The region contains part of Windsor Great Park, as well as Wentworth golf course.
With the benefits of royal association, social advantage, and a landscape untainted by industrial grime, this part of Surrey has long shown a Conservative allegiance.