Local Politics

---

South Thanet Constituency

Background of South Thanet

The postcode CT10 3DP is located in South Thanet, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Craig Mackinlay MP of the Conservative party.

South Thanet is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Kent, encompassing the seaside towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate. Historically, the seat exhibited a political battleground nature, with both the Labour and Conservative parties seeing alternating successes. Notably, the constituency gained national attention during the 2015 general election when UKIP leader Nigel Farage contested the seat, ultimately losing to the Conservative candidate, Craig Mackinlay.

Demographically, South Thanet is marked by a mix of coastal and rural settings, featuring a population that includes retirees, young families, and professionals commuting to larger towns or London. The area faces socio-economic challenges, including pockets of deprivation, particularly in Margate, alongside a relatively high level of unemployment compared to the national average. Conversely, areas like Broadstairs are more affluent, housing a significant number of middle-income and higher-income residents.

Economically, South Thanet has a diverse local economy, with tourism playing a significant role due to its coastal attractions and historical sites. Retail and small businesses provide employment, though there are efforts to rejuvenate the local economy with new investments and developments, particularly in Ramsgate's port and maritime industries.

Electorally, the constituency had an estimated electorate of around 72,000 in recent years, with voter turnout typically in line with national averages. The 2016 EU referendum saw a strong Leave vote of approximately 63%, reflective of the broader Eurosceptic sentiment present in much of Kent.

Politically, the seat's leaning towards Brexit and economic regeneration themes often dominate local discourse, framing the electorate's preferences in subsequent elections. Current representation is held by the Conservative Party, reflecting broader trends in South East England.

Brexit

Did South Thanet vote for Brexit?

The constituency of South Thanet in the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016. Residents in the area expressed concerns over issues such as immigration, sovereignty, and the perceived influence of the EU on British laws and regulations. Many voters in South Thanet felt that leaving the EU would allow the UK to regain control over its borders and make decisions independently from other European countries. The desire for greater autonomy and the belief that Brexit would benefit the local economy were key factors influencing the decision to vote leave in the referendum.