[n 2] The seat had a very similar proportion (4.0%) of jobseekers to the national average of 3.8%, based on The Guardian's November 2012 study.

This is higher than the average for the Eastern counties of 3.1% but significantly lower than Bedford, Great Yarmouth, Peterborough, Luton South, Rochford and Southend East, and Thurrock seats.

[3] The seat was created for the 2010 general election following a review of the Parliamentary representation of Essex by the Boundary Commission for England.

[4] Accordingly, the seat was held with comfortable majorities by Stephen Metcalfe of the Conservative Party from 2010 to 2024.

Further to the 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies, which came into effect for the 2024 general election, the composition of the constituency is as follows (as they existed on 1 December 2020): The Borough of Basildon ward of Vange was transferred to Basildon and Billericay, and polling district DN in the Pitsea South East ward (equivalent to the civil parish of Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet) was added to Castle Point.