IT has traditionally been seen as a bellwether constituency, in that Southampton Test has tended to go the way of the party of that forms the government in general elections since the war.

But while its importance as a political barometer has lessened in recent years a Tory victory would signal the kind of swing that would deliver a Conservative government.

Landslide victory Labour’s Alan Whitehead has been the MP since his party swept to power in a landslide in 1997 and latest boundary changes have been kind – increasing his notional majority by 799 votes to nearly 8,000.

Mr Whitehead’s main challenge comes from the Tories, who, like in neighbouring Itchen, have selected a leading city councillor, Jeremy Moulton, with a strong local profile.

Mr Whitehead has been campaigning on his record – pointing out that the five promises he made in 2005 have been met – and offering a “clear choice” from the Conservatives.

Mr Whitehead says he is for the many rather the “few”.

He warns of Tory threats to local services and Southampton’s secondary schools rebuilding programme.

Councillor Moulton blames the Government for “neglecting” the city in favour of its northern heartlands, summed up by its raids on tenants’ rent money, worth millions each year.

He insists he will fight to secure the school rebuilds and vowed to protect jobs from Labour’s backdated taxes on port businesses.

Cllr Moulton has accused Mr Whitehead of misleading voters over his claims Tories would scrap new powers to tackle student housing.

Lib Dems, who ran a close second last time, are also fielding a councillor as their candidate.

But while Dave Callaghan grew up in the city Tories are already questioning his commitment to become MP as he is standing for re-election in council elections in the south London borough of Sutton.

Mr Callaghan promises local action on roads and pledges to fight to reverse the Tory-run council’s decisions to close two care home and an estate library. He cites the Lib Dem’s plan to raise the income tax threshold to £10,000 worth up to £700 a year.

Like Green candidate Chris Bluemel, Mr Callaghan suggests ways to expand the city’s recycling regime.

The plan to add fluoride to the water supplies in and around Southampton will effect this constituency more than any other.

All the candidates now oppose pressing ahead with the controversial scheme due lack of public support, but Mr Whitehead has consistently expressed his backing for the scheme in principle and rejects the idea of a referendum as unworkable.

Jamaican born UKIP candidate Pearline Hingston puts immigration and crime as top priorities, blaming membership of the EU for problems created by the former.