This is perhaps the most socially and economically mixed constituency in the county. The Nottingham South seat ranges from the council estates of Clifton, to the vast student population of Lenton, to the prospering and constantly changing city centre. The south-western Wollaton wards are some of the wealthiest in the region, while the most deprived areas are in the south and east of the seat, particularly Clifton and Radford.

Raleigh, the cycle manufacturer, was the major employer in the area until its closure some 15 years ago. The area has a large student population and the number of people in social rented and privately rented housing is above average.

Nottingham South was held by Labour's Alan Simpson from 1992 until 2010, when he stood down. Labour's Lilian Greenwood won in 2010 with 37% of votes, ahead of the Conservatives on 33% and the Lib Dems on 23%.