Local Politics

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Kensington Constituency

Background of Kensington

The postcode SW7 4AT is located in Kensington, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Emma Dent Coad MP of the Labour party.

The Kensington parliamentary constituency is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London. Established in 1974, it has undergone several boundary changes, last adjusted in 2010. Historically, Kensington was a Conservative stronghold, but political dynamics have shifted dramatically in recent years. Notably, Labour secured a narrow victory in the 2017 general election, only to lose the seat back to the Conservatives in 2019.

Kensington is characterized by significant economic diversity. It encompasses affluent areas such as Kensington High Street and Notting Hill, juxtaposed with pockets of socioeconomic deprivation. The constituency is home to many high-net-worth individuals as well as a considerable international community, reflected in the multicultural demographic composition. Notable landmarks include the Natural History Museum, Kensington Palace, and Portobello Road.

The electorate in Kensington tends to be highly educated, with a substantial portion engaged in professional and managerial occupations. Median incomes are above the national average, though stark inequality exists within the constituency.

Brexit was a polarising issue in Kensington. In the 2016 EU referendum, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where the constituency lies, voted to remain in the European Union. This divide was mirrored in local politics, with substantial support for both pro-EU parties and Brexit-supporting Conservatives.

Kensington remains a politically significant and economically varied constituency, embodying London's broader contrasts. The area's evolving political landscape continues to make it a notable seat in UK general elections.

Brexit

Did Kensington vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 EU referendum, the constituency of Kensington voted to leave the European Union. Similar to many other areas across the country, concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and a desire for greater control over laws and regulations were cited as reasons why residents may have opted for Brexit. Additionally, economic issues such as job security and trade agreements likely played a role in shaping the voting preferences of Kensington locals. The decision to leave the EU reflected a complex mix of political, social, and economic factors that resonated with voters in this affluent London borough.