This seat is a curious mix of rural and urban elements. Kidderminster is an old town with a new town feel, and an economy based on carpet manufacture, whereas Stourport is an altogether more picturesque place reliant upon tourism for its income as much as anything else.
Outside the towns, agriculture provides a livelihood for many inhabitants, but commuters to various West Midlands towns form the majority of residents. With the Severn and two canals running through the constituency, sailing, boating and fishing are popular pastimes.
Labour holds 11 council seats here, yet the largest group is made up of the 18 Independent Kidderminster Save Our Hospital councillors. The downgrading of the local hospital in Kidderminster and the closure of its accident and emergency department is a major issue in this seat.
An independent candidate Richard Taylor is contesting this seat under the "save our hospital" banner. The LibDems announced on 16 May that they were not contesting this seat, and would instead back Dr Taylor.