There is deprivation and lower educational attainment in the southern new towns, coastal communities, inner cities and rural coldspots.
This region contains a sizeable clutch of those crucial ‘Labour Leave’ seats through which the Prime Minister is trying to pave his path to an overall majority.
The Tories ousted Ed Balls and the Liberal Democrats managed to return two seats, but otherwise this region was a low-scoring draw for the main parties.
Plus: This week’s focus groups in Pudsey, Hazel Grove, and Rossendale & Darwen; and how much do we really know about the party leaders?
The last ten surveys contain mixed news for all parties and some noteworthy results.
It’s very tight indeed in these constituencies, but Ed Miliband’s party has the edge in these local campaigns on the basis of this evidence.
The region, which the Yorkshire Post argues should have its own Minister, is the scene of intense campaigning.
Immigration control, more jobs, new homes – and the “big, open and comprehensive offer” that this Government can make to voters in its first hundred days.