The constituency was, by the time of its abolition, a safe Labour seat. It was held for the last thirteen years of its existence by Harriet Harman, who went on to become the deputy leader of the Labour Party.
The constituency shared boundaries with the Peckham electoral division for election of councillors to the Greater London Council at elections in 1973, 1977 and 1981.
Boundaries
Historic
1885–1918: The wards of North Peckham and South Peckham.
1918–1950: The Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell wards of Clifton, Goldsmith, Nunhead, Rye Lane, St Mary's, and The Rye.
1950–1974: The Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell wards of Addington, Clifton, Coburg, Goldsmith, Marlborough, North Peckham, St George's, St Giles, St Mary's, The West, and Town Hall.
1974–1983: The London Borough of Southwark wards of Brunswick, Burgess, Consort, Faraday, Friary, Newington, and St Giles.[3]
1983–1997: The London Borough of Southwark wards of Barset, Brunswick, Consort, Faraday, Friary, Liddle, Newington, and St Giles.
Faraday; North Walworth; Nunhead & Queen's Road; Old Kent Road; Peckham; Rye Lane; St. Giles.[4]
The contents reflect the new ward structure which became effective in May 2018. The re-established seat primarily comprises the majority of the abolished constituency of Camberwell and Peckham, together with parts of Bermondsey and Old Southwark (mainly North Walworth).