Newark was held by Labour from 1950 to 1979, won by the Conservatives from 1979 to 1997, but was then taken by Labourís Fiona Jones in 1997.
Newark lies on the River Trent to the north east of Nottingham, bordering Sherwood. The A1 passes through the constituency. The main industry in Newark is light engineering, but many people in the constituency also commute into Nottingham.
Newark Castle, the remains of which are open to the public, was built in the early twelfth century by Alexander the Magnificent, the Bishop of Lincoln and the Lord of the Manor of Newark. King John is said to have died in the castle in 1216.
The seat is fairly high on the Conservativesí wish list.