The East Thanet constituency is located at the easternmost point of
Kent, occupying the
Isle of Thanet peninsula. It contains the connected towns of
Margate,
Broadstairs and
Ramsgate. The three towns are popular
seaside resorts with large tourism sectors, although like many English coastal towns, they experienced economic decline during the late 20th century. High levels of deprivation are present, particularly in Margate and Ramsgate where many areas fall within the top 10% most-deprived areas in
England. Broadstairs is comparatively wealthier. Average house prices in the constituency are lower than the national average. Compared to the rest of the country, residents are generally older and have low levels of education. Household income is low and residents are less likely to work in professional occupations.
White people made up 92% of the population at the
2021 census. At
the local district council, Ramsgate and Margate are mostly represented by the
Labour Party whilst more
Conservative councillors were elected in Broadstairs. At
the county council, which held elections more recently, all wards in East Thanet elected
Reform UK councillors. Voters in East Thanet strongly supported leaving the
European Union in the
2016 referendum; an estimated 64% voted in favour of
Brexit compared to 52% nationwide. ==Boundaries==