Manchester Withington
2010 Results:
Conservative: 5005 (11.11%)
Labour: 18216 (40.45%)
Liberal Democrat: 20110 (44.66%)
UKIP: 698 (1.55%)
Green: 798 (1.77%)
Independent: 204 (0.45%)
Majority: 1894 (4.21%)
Notional 2005 Results:
Liberal Democrat: 16140 (42.2%)
Labour: 15632 (40.8%)
Conservative: 3989 (10.4%)
Other: 2519 (6.6%)
Majority: 508 (1.3%)
Actual 2005 result
Conservative: 3919 (10.5%)
Labour: 15205 (40.6%)
Liberal Democrat: 15872 (42.4%)
Green: 1595 (4.3%)
UKIP: 424 (1.1%)
Other: 443 (1.2%)
Majority: 667 (1.8%)
2001 Result
Conservative: 5349 (15.3%)
Labour: 19239 (54.9%)
Liberal Democrat: 7715 (22%)
Green: 1539 (4.4%)
Other: 1208 (3.4%)
Majority: 11524 (32.9%)
1997 Result
Conservative: 8522 (19.4%)
Labour: 27103 (61.6%)
Liberal Democrat: 6000 (13.6%)
Referendum: 1079 (2.5%)
Other: 1323 (3%)
Majority: 18581 (42.2%)
Boundary changes: Minimal – gains part of Chorlton from Manchester central.
Profile: A residential area in the southern part of Manchester, Withington was once a desirable middle class area area and a safe Conservative seat, but demographic changes have seen the area decline as much of the middle classes moved out into Cheshire and family homes were converted into rental flats for students. In 1987 Labour took the seat and by 2001 Keith Bradley had a five figure majority. The area still has a large student population but is also attracting increasing numbers of young professionals.
The Liberal Democrats have a strong base in local government here and the seat was a surprise Lib Dem gain in 2005, won from Labour with a 17% swing
Current MP: John Leech(Liberal Democrat) born 1971 . Educated at Manchester Grammar and Brunel university. Former McDonald`s manager and call centre worker for the RAC. Manchester councillor since 1998 and former deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Manchester council (more information at They work for you)







2001 Census Demographics
Total 2001 Population: 86666
Male: 48.6%
Female: 51.4%
Under 18: 19.5%
Over 60: 15.9%
Born outside UK: 13.8%
White: 84.3%
Black: 2.7%
Asian: 8.2%
Mixed: 3.3%
Other: 1.5%
Christian: 58.1%
Hindu: 1.1%
Jewish: 1.1%
Muslim: 7.5%
Full time students: 16.4%
Graduates 16-74: 37.7%
No Qualifications 16-74: 21.6%
Owner-Occupied: 48.6%
Social Housing: 25.7% (Council: 19.6%, Housing Ass.: 6.1%)
Privately Rented: 22.8%
Homes without central heating and/or private bathroom: 8.6%