1935 Dumfriesshire by-election

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Dumfriesshire by-election, 1935 was a by-election held for the British House of Commons constituency of Dumfriesshire in Scotland on 12 September 1935. The by-election was won by the National Liberal Party candidate Sir Henry Fildes.

It was the last by-election of the 1931–1935 Parliament. Only six weeks later, on 25 October, Parliament was dissolved for the 1935 general election.

Vacancy[]

The National Liberal MP Dr Joseph Hunter had died on 24 July 1935, aged 59. He had held the seat since the 1929 general election.

Candidates[]

The parties in the National Government did not usually contest by-elections in seats held by other governing parties, so the National Liberal Party candidate Sir Henry Fildes did not face a Conservative opponent.

The only other candidate was J. Downie, Labour Co-operative.

Result[]

On a reduced turnout, Fildes held the seat for the National Liberals, with a reduced but still large majority, taking over 60% of the votes. He was re-elected at the general election in November 1935, and held the seat until he stood down at the 1945 general election.

Votes[]

Dumfriesshire by-election, 1935
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
National Liberal Henry Fildes 16,271 60.3 −17.4
Labour J. Downie 10,697 39.7 +17.4
Majority 5,574 20.6 −34.8
Turnout 26,968 58.7 −18.9
National Liberal hold Swing −17.4
General election 1931: Dumfriesshire
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Joseph Hunter 26,873 77.7 +32.6
Labour J. S. Paterson 7,693 22.3 +3.6
Majority 19,180 55.4 +46.5
Turnout 34,566 77.6 −3.8
Liberal hold Swing
  • Note: Hunter left the Liberal Party and joined the National Liberal Party, in June 1934, during the Parliament.

See also[]

References[]

Sources[]

  • Craig, F. W. S. (1983) [1969]. British parliamentary election results 1918-1949 (3rd ed.). Chichester: Parliamentary Research Services. ISBN 0-900178-06-X.
  • Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs
Retrieved from ""