Prior to 1832

Prior to 1832, the metropolitan area of London was represented by the parliamentary boroughs of City of London (four MPs), Westminster and Southwark (two MPs each). The remainder of the metropolitan area was covered by the historical counties of Middlesex and Surrey.

1832 to 1868

The Reform Act 1832 gave representation in the London metropolitan area to seven parliamentary boroughs, known as the metropolitan boroughs,^[6] with the formation of four additional boroughs, each electing two MPs. In addition, Greenwich was formed as a separate borough from the counties of Kent and Surrey.

1868 to 1885

The Reform Act 1867 expanded the metropolitan area to include the new borough of Chelsea, and Tower Hamlets was divided into the two boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

1885 to 1918

The Redistribution of Seats Act 1885 extended the area of parliamentary boroughs to the Metropolitan Board of Works area. With the exception of the City of London, whose representation was reduced from four to two MPs, each borough, or division thereof, was represented by one MP. This act increased the number of MPs representing London from 22 to 59.^[7]

The County of London was created in 1889 in succession to the Metropolitan Board of Works. In 1900, the county was divided into 28 boroughs (plus the City of London) and the outer boundary was adjusted. However, the old constituency boundaries remained in place until 1918.

For representation by party, see sections 1885 to 1900 and 1900 to 1918.

1918 to 1950

Under the Representation of the People Act 1918 the parliamentary boroughs corresponded to the metropolitan boroughs created in 1900, with each borough, or division thereof, being represented by one MP. The City of London continued to be represented by two MPs despite the very small size of its electorate. The number of MPs was increased from 59 to 62.^[8]

For representation by party, see sections 1918 to 1931 and 1931 to 1950.

1950 to 1974

Under the Representation of the People Act 1948, which came into effect for the 1950 general election, the county of London was divided into 43 borough constituencies.^[9]

Under the First Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies, effective for the 1955 general election, there were limited changes in London, with a reduction of one constituency across the boroughs of Fulham and Hammersmith.^[10]

For representation by party, see section 1950 to 1974.

1965 to 1974

Despite Greater London being created in 1965, the old constituency boundaries remained in place until 1974, awaiting the implementation of the Second Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies. From 1965 to 1974, Outer London included the following constituencies or parts of constituencies.

1974 to 1983

When Greater London was created in 1965 the existing constituencies crossed county boundaries. The constituency review reported in 1969, and was implemented for the February 1974 election. All 92 constituencies were contained within Greater London and each were within a single London borough, with the exception of the City of London and Westminster South. They were all borough constituencies.^[11] The constituencies were also used as electoral divisions for the Greater London Council from 1973 to 1986.

For representation by party, see sections North West, North East, South West and South East.

1983 to 1997

The constituencies were redrawn for the 1983 election. All 84 constituencies were contained within Greater London and each were within a single London borough, with the exception of the City of London and Westminster South. They were all borough constituencies.^[12]

For representation by party, see sections North West, North East, South West and South East.

1997 to 2010

The constituencies were redrawn for the 1997 election. All 74 constituencies were contained within Greater London. Constituencies crossed borough boundaries between Bexley and Greenwich; Ealing, and Hammersmith and Fulham; Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and the City of London; Kingston upon Thames and Richmond upon Thames; Lambeth and Southwark; Newham and Tower Hamlets; and Redbridge and Waltham Forest. They were all borough constituencies. ^[13]

For representation by party, see sections North West, North East, South West and South East.

Since 2010

The constituencies were redrawn for the 2010 election. All 73 constituencies are contained within Greater London. Constituencies cross borough boundaries between Barking and Dagenham, and Havering; Brent and Camden; Harrow and Hillingdon; Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham; Redbridge and Waltham Forest; Bexley and Greenwich; Bromley and Lewisham; Kingston upon Thames and Richmond upon Thames; Lambeth and Southwark; and Westminster and the City of London. They are all borough constituencies.^[14]

For representation by party, see sections North West, North East, South West and South East.

1885 to 1900

  Conservative   Liberal   Liberal-Labour   Liberal Unionist

1900 to 1918

  Conservative   Labour   Liberal   Liberal-Labour   Liberal Unionist   National Party

1918 to 1931

  Coalition Liberal (1918–22) / National Liberal (1922–23)   Communist   Conservative   Empire Free Trade Crusade   Independent   Independent Conservative   Labour   Liberal   National Labour

1931 to 1950

  Communist   Conservative   Independent Labour   Independent Liberal   Labour   Labour Independent Group   Liberal   National Government   National Labour   National Liberal (1931–68)

1950 to 1974

  Conservative   Labour   Speaker

North West London

The boroughs of Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, and the City of London.

North East London

The boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Havering, Islington, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

South West London

The boroughs of Croydon, Hounslow, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth.

South East London

The boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.