Folkestone and Hythe (UK Parliament constituency)

History

Until 2024, Folkestone and Hythe had elected a Conservative MP at every general election since its creation 1950, as had the earlier Hythe constituency since the late 19th century; it was therefore regarded as a Conservative safe seat. However, in 2024 it was won for the first time by the Labour Party.

From 1983 to 2010 it was held by Michael Howard. He held several cabinet posts, including Home Secretary from 1993 to 1997. In Opposition, he was Leader of the Conservative Party from 2003 to 2005.

Constituency profile

Folkestone and Hythe consists of a hilly swathe of East Kent including the coastal urban area of Folkestone and Hythe. The rural communities of New Romney, Lydd, Dymchurch, Lyminge and Elham contain significant farming communities, commuters to towns and business parks, including a small percentage to London and a large retired population.

Boundaries

1950–1983: The Boroughs of Folkestone, Hythe, Lydd, and New Romney, and the Rural Districts of Elham and Romney Marsh.

1983–2010: The District of Shepway.

2010–2024: The District of Shepway, and the Borough of Ashford ward of Saxon Shore.

2024–present: The District of Folkestone and Hythe wards of Broadmead, Cheriton, East Folkestone, Folkestone Central, Folkestone Harbour, Hythe, Hythe Rural, New Romney, Romney Marsh, Sandgate & West Folkestone, and Walland & Denge Marsh. :Electorate reduced to bring it within the permitted range by transferring out the North Downs area in the north, along with the parts in the Borough of Ashford, primarily to the reconfigured constituency of Ashford.

Members of Parliament

The current Member of Parliament is Tony Vaughan of the Labour Party who was elected at the 2024 general election. Vaughan's predecessors for the seat were Damian Collins (served 2010–2024) and Michael Howard (served 1983–2010). Howard held a number of political posts during his career in Parliament, most prominently as Home Secretary from 1993 to 1997 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2003 to 2005.

Elections

Elections in the 2020s

Elections in the 2010s

Elections in the 2000s

Elections in the 1990s

Elections in the 1980s

Elections in the 1970s

Elections in the 1960s

Elections in the 1950s

Notes

References

Sources

• Election result, 2005 (BBC)
• Election results 1997–2001 (BBC)
• Election results 1997–2001 (Election Demon)
• Election results 1992–2010 (The Guardian)

References

1. "Local statistics – Office for National Statistics".
2. "The Parliamentary Constituencies Order 2023".
3. {{Rayment-hc. f. (March 2012)
4. "Folkestone and Hythe - General election results 2024". BBC News.
5. "Notional results for a UK general election on 12 December 2019". [[UK Parliament]].
6. "Archived copy".
7. "General Election 2017 Candidates for Folkestone and Hythe".
8. "Election Data 2015". [[Electoral Calculus]].
9. (7 May 2015). "Tories holds Folkestone and Hythe, with Ukip second".
10. "Harriet Yeo to stand as UKIP candidate".
11. (16 April 2015). "Claire Jeffrey Labour Candidate".
12. "Lynne Beaumont".
13. "Martin Edward Whybrow for Folkestone and Hythe in the 2017 General Election".
14. Hillman, Nick. (14 March 2015). "What do the 'Young People's Party' promise students?".
15. (2015-01-15). "General Election – Campaign News". The Socialist Party of Great Britain.
16. [http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/guide/seat-profiles/folkestoneandhythe/n Election result, 2010]{{Dead link. (October 2025)
17. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b76.stm Election result, 2010] (BBC)
18. (9 April 1992). "Politics Resources". Politics Resources.