This was a safe Conservative seat from 1983 to 1997 then became a Labour marginal for the remainder of its first existence. It was a notional gain for Labour at the 2024 general election, on a swing of over 24%.
Boundaries
1983–2010
1983–1997: The District of Selby, and the District of Ryedale ward of Osbaldwick and Heworth.
Following its review of parliamentary representation in York and North Yorkshire in the 2000s, the Boundary Commission for England created the new seat of Selby and Ainsty. This consisted of much of the former Selby constituency, minus the south-western suburbs of York which were included in the (also newly created) seat of York Outer, plus rural areas south and east of Harrogate formerly part of the abolished Vale of York constituency.
The District of Selby wards of: Barlby Village; Brayton; Byram & Brotherton; Camblesforth & Carlton; Cawood & Wistow; Derwent; Eggborough; Escrick; Hambleton; Monk Fryston; Riccall; Selby East; Selby West; Sherburn in Elmet; South Milford; Thorpe Willoughby; and Whitley.[4]
However, before the new boundaries came into effect, the District of Selby was abolished and absorbed into the new unitary authority of North Yorkshire with effect from 1 April 2023.[5] Consequently, the constituency now comprises the following from the 2024 general election:
The City of Leeds ward of Kippax & Methley.
The North Yorkshire electoral divisions of: Barlby & Riccall; Brayton & Barlow; Camblesforth & Carlton; Cawood & Escrick; Cliffe & North Duffield; Monk Fryston & South Milford; Osgoldcross; Selby East; Selby West; Sherburn in Elmet; Thorpe Willoughby & Hambleton.[6]