Southend (UK Parliament constituency)

For most of the 20th century, this constituency and one of its successors was held by four members of the Guinness family.

When Rupert Guinness was elevated to the Peerage upon the death of his father, he was succeeded by his wife, Gwendolen.

When she retired in 1935 she was succeeded by her eldest daughter's husband, Henry "Chips" Channon.

Channon continued to serve as MP for one of the successor constituencies, Southend West, until his death in 1958.

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by the Autumn of 1939, the following candidates had been selected;