1940 Croydon North by-election

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The 1940 Croydon North by-election was a parliamentary by-election held in the House of Commons constituency of Croydon North on 19 June 1940. The seat had become vacant when the Conservative Member of Parliament Glyn Mason had resigned. Mason had held the seat since the 1922 general election.

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During World War II, the major parties had formed a Coalition Government and agreed an electoral pact, whereby they would not contest by-elections in seats held by the other parties in the government. However, there was nothing to prevent other candidates from standing, and A. L. Lucas stood in Croydon North as an independent candidate.

Despite a very low turnout, the Conservative candidate Henry Willink held the seat for his party with a large majority. Lucas forfeited his deposit.

Election results

1940 Croydon North by-election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Conservative Henry Willink 14,163 90.7 +23.6
Independent Arthur Lascelles Lucas1,4459.3New
Majority 12,71881.4+47.2
Turnout 15,60818.3−46.3
Registered electors
Conservative hold Swing
General election 1935: Croydon North
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Conservative Glyn Mason 36,383 67.1 −13.8
Labour Frank Mitchell17,87232.9+13.8
Majority 18,51134.2−27.5
Turnout 54,25564.6−4.8
Registered electors 83,986
Conservative hold Swing -13.8

See also

References