1935 Dumfriesshire by-election

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 % ±%
Liberal National Henry Fildes 16,271 60.3 −17.4
Labour Co-op J. Downie 10,697 39.7 +17.4
Majority 5,574 20.6 −34.8
Turnout 26,968 58.7 −18.9
Liberal National 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
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