This is a mainly rural, professional area,[3] with medium level incomes, low unemployment[4] and a low proportion of social housing. The East Coast Main Line runs through the east part of the seat, with several stations connecting to Central London.
Boundaries and boundary changes
Map of boundaries 2010-2024
1997–2010: The District of Mid Bedfordshire wards of Arlesey, Biggleswade Ivel, Biggleswade Stratton, Blunham, Langford, Northill, Old Warden and Southill, Potton, Sandy All Saints, Sandy St Swithun's, Stotfold, and Wensley; and the Borough of Bedford wards of Bromham, Carlton, Clapham, Eastcotts, Felmersham, Great Barford, Harrold, Oakley, Renhold, Riseley, Roxton, and Sharnbrook.[5]
2010–2024: The District of Mid Bedfordshire wards of Arlesey, Biggleswade Holme, Biggleswade Ivel, Biggleswade Stratton, Langford and Henlow Village, Northill and Blunham, Potton and Wensley, Sandy Ivel, Sandy Pinnacle, and Stotfold; and the Borough of Bedford wards of Bromham, Carlton, Clapham, Eastcotts, Great Barford, Harrold, Oakley, Riseley, Roxton, and Sharnbrook.[6]
Marginal loss to Mid Bedfordshire due to revision of local authority wards.