Sunderland (UK Parliament constituency)

Sunderland was a borough constituency in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, created by the Reform Act 1832 for the 1832 general election.

Barclay resigned by accepting the office of Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds, causing a by-election.

Seymour was appointed Recorder of Newcastle upon Tyne, requiring a by-election.

Fenwick was appointed a Civil Lord of the Admiralty, requiring a by-election.

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;