The constituency of Newport East has been in existence since 1983 when the borough constituency of Newport was split into East and West.

Within the constituency are the communities of Alway, Beechwood, Ringland, Langstone, Lliswerry, Llanwern, St Julians, Victoria, Caldicot, Magor, Undy and Rogiet.

The constituency has seen considerable inward investment in recent years and Newport is an expanding city, with good transport links to the rest of the United Kingdom and further afield.

There is a growing arts scene with the Riverfront Arts Centre a focus for performance and development.

Newport will host the Ryder Cup in October 2010 and has a rich sporting heritage. Newly crowned Blue Square South Champions Newport County AFC play at Spytty Park, and most improved Welsh rugby region the Newport Gwent Dragons play at Rodney Parade - both stadiums stand within the constituency.