A rural seat in the western part of West Sussex, Chichester runs from the Channel coast up along the border of Hampshire.
Despite a strong history in Chichester, the Tories lost overall control of the council between 1993 and 1999, as the Lib Dems chipped away at their majority.
Pro-European Andrew Tyrie replaced Anthony Nelson as Conservative MP in 1997. He was formerly a special Treasury advisor to John Major and Nigel Lawson.
The Romans built Chichester and named it Noviomagus. Its present name comes from the Anglo Saxon prince Cissa - Cissa’s Ceastor (Cissa’s camp) became Chichester.
King Canute is said to have tried and failed to command the waters to retreat at Chichester. There is a Roman Palace at Fishbourne, which was originally the Roman supply base on Chichester Harbour.
This is a peaceful area chosen by many as the location for their second or retirement home.
It also boasts the stately homes of Cowdray Park at Midhurst, Petworth House and the Goodwood House of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon. Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester Harbour and Cowdray Park, an international polo venue are also situated here.