1943 Acton by-election

Background

The seat had become vacant after the death in October of the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Hubert Duggan. He had first been elected at the 1931 general election.

During World War II, the major parties had agreed an electoral pact under which they would not contest by-elections in seats held by their respective parties, and as a result many wartime by-elections resulting in a candidate being returned unopposed. However, other parties and independent politicians were free to field candidates.

The by-election was held on an electoral roll which had not been updated since 1937.

Candidates

As of 19 November 1943, there were as many as seven candidates. Following the withdrawal of three candidates, the remaining candidates Walter Padley for the Independent Labour Party (ILP); Edward Godfrey who sought election as an 'English Nationalist'; Independent Dorothy Crisp who wrote for the Sunday Dispatch ; and the official Conservative candidate Henry Longhurst.

During the war Walter Padley had been a conscientious objector. In 1950 he was elected Labour Party MP for Ogmore and served until 1979.

Godfrey was founder of the English National Association, an organisation with alleged Fascist leanings.

Result

The Conservative candidate, Henry Longhurst, was elected with a majority of 3,301 more votes than all his opponents combined.

References

References

1. (26 November 1943). "THE ELECTION – LABOUR TO 'KEEP POWDER DRY'". Acton Gazette.
2. (3 December 1943). "THIS IS NOMINATION DAY IN ACTON'S BY-ELECTION". Acton Gazette.
3. (19 November 1943). "Captain Henry Longhurst Recommended as Government Candidate". Acton Gazette.
4. (17 December 1943). "Round About Acton". Acton Gazette.