The constituency is coterminous with the borough of the same name, the council of which Labour runs with a large majority. Conservatives retain control of the rural hinterland in such wards as Meopham North and South, Istead and Cobham and Luddestone even in the worst years, but Labour is all-conquering in the built-up areas on the south bank of the Thames, like Northfleet.

The topographical landscape is diverse, the seat being comprised of industrial, agricultural and commuter towns and villages, with some very picturesque areas. The ethnic minority population is the largest of any seat in Kent, and the level of council house accommodation is also the county’s highest, at 20%.

There are two Enterprise Zones in the constituency, and industry is helped by a situation on the Thames and the A2 trunk road. But, as elsewhere along the Thames Gateway, traditional industries such as paper making and cement manufacture are being overtaken by the service sector.