Even now, Mr Gephardt faces a tougher than usual battle in his existing St Louis seat against a well-financed property magnate.

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Cupar, the capital of Fife, is a bustling market town but the most famous town in the seat, St Andrews, is perhaps the most conservative.

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Described as the first newly-built theatre complex in central London in 30 years, St James includes a 312-seat main house and a studio space capable of accommodating up to 150 people.

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But in St Albans, Hertfordshire, the Tories lost a seat to the Liberal Democrats on the length of a pencil.

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Plans for a 5, 000-seat stadium and 150 houses on the edge of St Albans are being considered by its football club.

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The misericord, or "mercy seat", used as support by priests during long services, is to being unveiled St Mary Magdalene Church in Leintwardine.

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