The first member was H.G. Allen, Liberal member for Pembroke Boroughs since 1880. In 1886, Allen was among the Liberal members who broke with Gladstone over Irish Home Rule but, despite suggestions that the Conservatives would stand aside in his favour, Allen chose not to defend the seat as a Liberal Unionist. The seat was captured by the Conservatives at the subsequent election and remained a marginal constituency thereafter, changing hands on several occasions.
The count following the election initially recorded a Conservative victory by 2,679 to 2,667, a majority of 12. After a partial recount the margin had increased to 17 (2,679 to 2,662) with five reserved ballot papers. The Liberal campaign lodged a petition. Judges reviewed the reserved ballots and took the view that the result should be 2,679 to 2,664. The Liberal campaign accepted that review and withdrew their petition.[3]
Another General Election was required to take place before the end of 1915. The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by July 1914, the following candidates had been selected;
