[1] The constituency was a Labour - Conservative marginal for much of its history, changing hands several times between the two parties during its 98-year existence.

The only serious challenge by the Liberal Party in this period was in 1910 when William Lever, the leading industrialist, contested the seat.

The retirement of Douglas Glover in 1970 saw the election of Harold Soref for the Conservatives who, however, was only to hold the seat for four years.

Boundary changes brought in Kirkby New Town, leading to the election of Robert Kilroy-Silk for Labour.

Boundaries were adjusted and seats were defined in terms of the districts created by the Local Government Act 1894.

[1] Following further council boundary changes in 1954, the remaining parishes from West Lancashire RD, (Aintree and Ford), were included in the constituency from 1955.