Few constituencies in this region have been left uncontested for long periods by the party though there are exceptions. There was a barren period in the 1950s, the party then being at the lowest ebb of its fortunes, when not a single constituency was contested in the county of Kent for eight years. In the South East the main contenders and holders of most of the parliamentary constituencies have been traditionally the Conservatives. But unlike heavily industrialised regions of the Midlands, the North and Scotland, where the majority of the seats have been traditionally Labour-held, there are no vast swathes of unpromising constituencies with no tradition of Liberal activity. While unassailable Conservative strongholds still abound, Liberal/Liberal Democrat candidates almost everywhere throughout the South East have been assured, 2015/17 excepted, both of a respectable percentage poll and the probability of an encouraging second place.

Many candidates listed in this Index have contested constituencies elsewhere, a figure proportionately higher than for any other region.  Several have fought constituencies in three or four regions which has involved much cross-checking. Several prominent party figures have been associated with the South East though the region has been notably less well-endowed than others with colourful characters and eccentrics.

By prior agreement, the Liberal Democrats did not nominate a candidate to oppose the Green Party candidate at Brighton, Pavilion at the General Elections of 2017 and 2019.

Lionel King