The constituency was created for the 1950 general election under the Representation of the People Act 1948, when the Parliamentary Borough of Southend-on-Sea was split in two.

It was abolished for the 1997 general election when it was replaced by Rochford and Southend East.

From this by-election until its abolition, Southend East was held by the Conservative Teddy Taylor.

1950–1955 Formed primarily from eastern parts of the abolished Parliamentary Borough of Southend-on-Sea.

The Rural District of Rochford was transferred back to the re-established constituency of South East Essex.