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The Member of Parliament for Beckenham, Piers Merchant, (Conservative) accepted the office of Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead on October 21, 1997. He had been under pressure during the 1997 general election after tabloid newspaper stories about his relationship with a bar hostess whom he had employed as a researcher, but had denied any impropriety and retained the confidence of his local association. His resignation was caused by further newspaper stories which confirmed that his denial had been misleading.
A by-election to fill the seat was held on November 20. The Conservatives selected Jacqui Lait, who had lost her seat at Hastings in the general election. The Labour candidate Robert Hughes was a Bromley Borough Councillor from the constituency and had fought the seat at the general election. The Liberal Democrats also chose their general election candidate Rosemary Vetterlein. As the contest was taking place shortly after a general election, campaigning was somewhat subdued and the Conservatives were successful in retaining the seat with a reduced majority.
Also held on the same day was a by-election at Winchester.
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