It returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom by the first past the post system.
Throughout its history, it was served by one member: John Gilbert of the Labour Party.
1974–1983: The County Borough of Dudley wards of Castle, Coseley East, Coseley West, Netherton and Woodside, Priory, St Andrew's, St James's, and St Thomas's.
1983–1997: The Metropolitan Borough of Dudley wards of Castle and Priory, Coseley East, Coseley West, Netherton and Woodside, Quarry Bank and Cradley, St Andrew's, St James's, and St Thomas's.
Dudley East was one of three constituencies in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, covering as its name suggested the eastern part of the town of Dudley, including the town centre, along with Coseley and parts of Sedgley.