Halton straddles the River Mersey and principally comprises the two towns of Runcorn and Widnes which face each other across the river and are linked by a major road bridge.
The seat was created in 1983, but links between Widnes and Runcorn stretch back nearly 900 years to the early 12th century when land on both sides of the river formed part of the Halton Barony. Halton is an urban, industrial area whose main businesses are in chemicals, food processing, clothing, metal products and furniture manufacturing.
Runcorn started out as a canal port in the 18th century, but was designated a New Town in 1964 catering for the overspill from Liverpool. It has recently undergone redevelopment, and has started to attract many people from all over the north west to the new town centre shopping complex. Brewing also takes place in Runcorn now, whilst Widnes has branched out into engineering and cement trades.
Council housing accounts for 25.5% of the total in the seat, and over half the workforce comprise is skilled or partly skilled manual workers.