To view the enhanced content on this page you need to enable javascript and download flash here.
Constituency Profile
Ayr had been a Conservative seat until 1997 when Sandra Osborne took it for Labour and held it in 2001 with a 2,545 majority. Osborne contested and won the new seat of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock in 2005. Cunninghame South had always been a Labour seat, and had been held by Brian Donohoe since 1992.
Brian Donohoe became the new Central Ayrshire seats MP in 2005 with a majority of 24% over the Conservatives.
There are no boundary changes affecting this seat.
Starting just north of Ayr itself, Central Ayrshire sweeps up the west coast through the pleasant resorts of Prestwick and Troon, incorporating Prestwick International Airport and a series of seaside towns. Its largest population centre is Irvine in the north, which is an odd mixture of historical picturesque and utilitarian new town, this latter a response to the pressing need for more social housing in the Glasgow area.
Traditional industries within the area include farming, paper production, and other strong manufacturing, service and tourism sectors.
There are numerous golf courses including Royal Troon and Prestwick, which was the first venue for the British Open golf championship.
Irvine was designated a new town in 1966, despite having been a Royal Burgh since the 14th Century. Planners expected Irvine to become a major town with a population of around 100,000. The current population is less than half that.
Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is working on a variety of projects extending from Ardrossan to Irvine in the decade to 2016. Projects which have either been completed or are in planning stages include new golf courses, the regeneration of the coastal towns, and redevelopment of the harbour.
Candidates
Name | Party | Votes | % | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andrew Chamberlain | Liberal Democrat | |||
Brian Donohoe | Labour | |||
Maurice Golden | Conservative | |||
John Mullen | Scottish National Party | |||
Majority | ||||
Turnout |
2005 Result
Party | Votes Share | |
---|---|---|
Labour | 46.4% | |
Conservative | 22.1% | |
Liberal Democrat | 16.1% | |
Others | 15.4% |
Based on a notional - or estimated - result if boundary changes have affected this seat. For real result, see Election 2005.
Can we improve this page? Contact us via our feedback form. Please note the candidate list is updated as often as possible, but won't be complete until after close of nominations on 20 April. Until then names are those verifiably intending to stand.