Since 1974 the Isle of Thanet (which contrary to its name is not an island) has been split into two constituencies with some non-Thanet proper territory thrown in.
For Thanet North this extraneous land is the Conservative-friendly areas of Herne Bay and Reculver along the coast to the west. The Isle of Thanet itself is somewhat more mixed, incorporating the seaside resorts of Cliftonville, Margate, Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington.
Margate (site of battles between Mods and Rockers, and the traditionally favoured destination of East End daytrippers) is more working class, while Cliftonville is somewhat more upmarket.
Both however currently have Conservative councillors on Thanet District Council, and this has been reflected in voting patterns in national elections also. Conservative MP Roger Gale has represented the seat since 1983 and stayed the tide sweeping the country in 1997 salvaging a sizeable majority of almost 3,000 (although this was a drop of 15,000 from 1992).
A key demographic element in Thanet North is the size of the pensioner population. Over 29% of the population and around 37% per cent of eligible voters are pensioners (compared with a national average of 19%).