After first winning here in 1992 with a majority of 7,000, sitting MP John Gunnell consolidated his position in 1997 with a 58.5% share of the vote, and a doubling of his majority to almost 15,000.
As with the other constituencies in and around the Leeds area, Morley and Rothwell is composed of a small number of large wards, all of which have usually been staunchly Labour. Middleton, on the outskirts of Leeds, has been the most loyal ward, perhaps in part because of the large number of council estates that make up the area. The constituency as a whole is largely working-class and industrial in nature. More than a quarter of homes are council rented, with 35% of the workforce employed in the skilled-manual sector. Unemployment is low.
Mr Gunnell, who is stepping down at this election, followed in some illustrious footsteps. Former MPs for this seat and its South Leeds predecessor include Merlyn Rees, (1963-92), Home Secretary in James Callaghan's government, and Hugh Gaitskell, leader of the Labour Party from 1955 to 1963.