The ward formed part of Chris Philp MP's Croydon South constituency.

[1] The ward returned three councillors every four years to Croydon Council.

In Coulsdon East in 2006, the Labour Party did not field any candidates.

The successful Conservative candidates were Justin Cromie, Terry Lenton and Chris Wright.

The Labour party polled 9.9%, their lowest share in Borough of Croydon wards in the 2010 election.