Macdonell had been absent from parliament because he was unwell, but he was expected to recover.[3][4] During his absence, a political crisis caused by the resignation of two Labour members resulted in the parliament being prorogued, and he was automatically expelled for non-attendance during an entire session.[5][6] His seat was declared vacant in September 1911, but he recontested and was elected unopposed at the resulting by-election.[7][8]
Three weeks after the September by-election, Macdonell died, triggering a second by-election.[9][10] The only candidate to contest was Labour's Charles Fern, and he was declared elected at the close of candidate nominations on 2 December 1911.[11][12]
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