The synthesis and luminescent properties of the homopolymers (4, 5) and copolymers (9, 10) carrying ion-transporting side chains are reported. When fabricated as a light emitting electrochemical cell the copolymer 10 exhibited a significant reduction in turn-on voltage and improved luminous efficiency compared with a conventionally fabricated polymer light emitting device (LED). similar results were observed with the pyridine copolymer 13. The model meta-linked trifluoromethyl substituted distyrylbenzene derivative 16 has been synthesised and its crystal structure has been determined with a view to evaluating the related polymers as charge transporting materials.