One Kensington: Tales from the Frontline of the Most Unequal Borough in Britain

Kensington and Chelsea is one of the wealthiest spots on Earth but also one of the most unequal, with families unable to buy enough food and desperate overcrowding in the shadow of ultraluxury property developments. Councillor Emma Dent Coad has spent her life fighting for those left behind, and the Grenfell Tower disaster highlighted the need for more support for the most vulnerable. One Kensington lays bare the mismanagement and neglect that has made the area a symbol of division, but it also suggests a potentially hopeful future for a new Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Quercus Publishing

Kensington and Chelsea, renowned for its immense wealth, stands as a striking example of profound inequality. Just a short distance away from the opulence of Harrods, families find themselves struggling to afford sufficient food to meet their basic needs. The juxtaposition of luxurious property developments and desperate overcrowding creates a haunting scene of hardship. A mere 20-minute bus ride across the borough can reveal a staggering 30-year gap in life expectancy, highlighting the stark disparities within the community.

Emma Dent Coad, a dedicated councillor in Kensington and Chelsea since 2006, has dedicated her life to advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable members of the Royal Borough. Her commitment intensified when, just days after her unexpected and triumphant election as MP for the area, the Grenfell Tower disaster occurred, serving as a stark reminder of the neglect faced by the most vulnerable segments of society.

One Kensington, a documentary film, unveils the alarming extent of mismanagement and neglect that has transformed Kensington and Chelsea into a symbol of growing division within the country. It offers a glimpse into a potential future characterized by the hollowing out of local government and the prevalence of cynical corruption. However, amidst the depth of community connections and relentless political organizing, there emerges a glimmer of hope for a new Britain.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529417241