The Kippax and Methley ward of Leeds City Council is part of the UK Parliament constituency of Selby.

The name Kippax is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is first attested as Chipesch in the Domesday Book of 1086, and as "Kippeys" in charters from the 1090s to the 1270s, and Kypask and Kypax from the 13th century onwards.

[3] Locational surnames such as Kippax developed when former inhabitants of a place moved to another area, usually to seek work, and were best identified by the name of their birthplace.

[4] The village's historical roots are evidenced by the presence of an originally Anglo-Saxon church which underwent significant modification in Norman times.

The high street has a mix of independent butchers, grocers and newsagents and a small co-op store.