Battleground Anglia: Suffolk Central & Ipswich North

The Conservatives won the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituency at the 2010 Election with a majority of nearly 14,000 votes. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The most rural of the Suffolk constituencies, with over two thirds of the population living in villages and rural areas, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich is a largely prosperous region of golden cornfields, commuter homes and picturesque retirement residences.

Apart from the northernmost suburbs of Ipswich, most of this seat is covered by undulating, unspoilt farmland. The economic pursuits are mainly agricultural, and associated industries can be found in the towns of the region, such as Framlingham, Wickham Market and, just outside the constituency, Needham Market.

  • Conservative majority in 2010:13,786

  • After West Suffolk, it's the second safest seat in Suffolk

  • Labour would need a swing of 17% to win in 2015 and the Lib Dems would need a 13% swing

There are a number of historical sites here, including many important medieval churches and Framlingham castle, where Mary Tudor sought refuge in 1553 during the nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey.

The constituency contains the western part of Suffolk Coastal Council area, the eastern part of Mid Suffolk Council area and the northern part of Ipswich Borough.

The Conservatives have held this region of Suffolk since 1951. Health Minister and NHS doctor Dan Poulter has been the local MP since 2010.

Candidates in 2015

  • Jack Abbott - Labour

  • Mark Cole - UKIP

  • Rhodri Griffiths - Green

  • Tony Holyoak - English Democrats

  • Jon Neal - Liberal Democrats

  • Dan Poulter - Conservative