Southend East is more working class than its sister constituency of Southend West, and it is here that the town centre and main offices of this coastal resort are located. The town’s most famous landmark is its pier, which is in this constituency: it is the world’s longest pleasure pier at 1.33 miles long and was opened in 1889, and over the years has suffered two fires and two boat crashes.
The section added to the old Southend East seat is to the east and north of the town. There is Rochford itself, and Great Wakering, along with the generally flat and sparsely populated area between the River Roach and the mouth of the Thames. This includes the unpalatable-sounding Foulness Island, which is where London’s third airport - Maplin Airport - was originally due to have been built.
Over two thirds of homes are owner occupied, although there are some council estates in Southend.