South Monmouthshire (UK Parliament constituency)

In 1852, the old constituency had elected members of two powerful families - the Morgans of Tredegar and the Somerset dukes of Beaufort.

In 1885, the Morgan interest continued with the election of Colonel Hon.

His son, Courtney Morgan, afterwards Baron Tredegar attempted to succeed him, but was defeated by another local landowner Colonel Ivor Herbert of Llanarth, Monmouthshire.

Herbert retained the constituency until 1917 when he departed to the House of Lords.

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by July 1914, the following candidates had been selected;