In 1962 the seat was the scene of a by-election shock for the Conservatives. They lost it on that occasion to the Liberal candidate Eric Lubbock, now Lord Avebury, on a 26.8% swing. The result gave rise to the political phenomenon “Orpington Man”, who symbolised the rebellion of traditional Tory voters against the Macmillan government. Although such by-elections with massive swings are more commonplace now, the 1962 result was an astonishing for its time.
Historically, Orpington was a part of the county of Kent, but for the past 25 years it has been part of the London borough of Bromley. It includes rural wards such as Biggin Hill ( the site of the Battle of Britain Aerodrome) and Darwin. It is one of the few places in Greater London where farming takes place and open country can be seen.
Many of the constituents here earn their living by commuting into central London and in particular to the City. Unemployment is low at 1.8%. There is a very small non-white population here by London standards - standing at just under 3%.