The constituency was created in 1997, partially replacing Barnsley East, and was a safe seat for the Labour Party.

At the 2010 general election, it was largely replaced by a re-established Barnsley East constituency.

The Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley wards of Brierley, Darfield, Dearne South, Dearne Thurnscoe, Wombwell North, and Wombwell South, and the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster wards of Mexborough and Richmond.

It bordered the constituencies of Barnsley Central, Barnsley West and Penistone, Wentworth, Don Valley, Doncaster Central, Doncaster North, Selby, and Hemsworth.

Following their review of parliamentary representation in South Yorkshire, the Boundary Commission for England has split the existing Barnsley East seat from Mexborough, to create a smaller modified Barnsley East constituency.