IT'S been described as one of the topsy-turvy seats of politics.
In the past 30 years the Colne Valley has had an MP from each of the three main parties.
Richard Wainwright won for the Liberals in 1974 and held the seat until 1987 when Tory candidate Graham Riddick topped the poll.
He, in turn, was defeated by Labour's Kali Mountford in 1997.
Ms Mountford faces a tough fight this time - cue visits from Labour top guns Gordon Brown and Jack Straw.
Tory contender Maggie Throup has brought in a few heavyweights of her own - Michael Howard shortly before the election was called and then, last week, William Hague.
But recent upheaval in the local party - when prospective candidate Amanda Harland quit - may count against her.
Miss Harland, who blamed bullying by some Conservative members, later joined the Liberal Democrats.
Liberal Democrat candidate Elisabeth Wilson comes armed with the knowledge that the Colne Valley is number 42 on her party's hit list.
Despite its name, the sprawling constituency covers the western suburbs of Huddersfield and stretches out to Holmfirth.
Experts are branding it a three-way marginal for the election - meaning a lot of eyes will be watching it as a barometer.
A curiosity is how well Robert Kilroy-Silk's Veritas party will perform.
Its candidate Helen Martinek fought Halifax for the UK Independence Party in 2001, scoring more than 1,000 votes.
The BNP is standing for the first time in the constituency.
