Emma Dent Coad was born in London to an Anglo-Spanish family. She spent 30 years as a journalist writing about design and architecture, specialising in social housing, planning, and the resurgence in Spain.

She is a life-long political activist, involved in numerous campaigns over the years related to social issues. She joined Kensington and Chelsea Council as a Labour Councillor in 2006.
Her surprise election as the first Labour MP for Kensington on 9 June 2017, by 20 votes, overturned a majority of 7,331 and made her a national figure. Four days later the atrocity of the fire at Grenfell Tower, near her home, set the seal on her time in Westminster. She re-stood for the Council in May 2018 and was re-elected with an increased majority - one of numerous MPs who retain their Council seats.


During her time in Westminster Emma was an outspoken advocate for her Kensington constituents, particularly on numerous issues related to Grenfell. She was vice-chair of the Fire Safety and Rescue All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), as well as for London, for Planning and Built Environment, and for CND, speaking on matters relating to the fire services, Council Housing, and Leasehold Reform.