THE constituency of Newport West is considered to be one of the safest seats in Gwent, after being held by the same Labour MP for more than two decades.

When the city was split into two constituencies in 1983, Newport West was briefly represented by Conservative Mark Robinson, but Paul Flynn has been the MP since 1987.

Newport West covers the city centre, as well as Allt-yr-yn, Bettws, Gaer, Graig, Malpas, Marshfield, Pillgwenlly, Rogerstone, Shaftesbury, Tredegar Park, and the town of Caerleon.

It is considered the more affluent of the two Newport constituencies, but still includes some of the poorest wards in Wales according to the Assembly's deprivation index.

In an area once dominated by heavy industry, many people are now employed in the service sector and the civil service.

The constituency with 60,287 voters is home the Office For National Statistics, Intellectual Property Office, and the Prison Service's national shared service centre.

Residents have also seen a big increase in the number of students, as Newport West houses the University of Wales Newport's campuses in Caerleon and Allt-yr-yn.

SEE LINKS TO CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS BELOW

2005 General Elelction result:

Paul Flynn, Labour 16,021 44.8% William Morgan, Conservative 10,563 29.6% Nigel Flanagan, Liberal Democrat 6,398 7.9% Anthony Salkeld, Plaid Cymru 1,278 3.6% Hugh Moelwyn Hughes, UKIP 848 2.4% Peter Varley, Green Party 540 1.5% Saeid Arjomand, Independent 84 0.2%