Croydon North by-election, 1940

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The Croydon North by-election, 1940 was a parliamentary by-election held in the British 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.

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.

[edit] Election results

Croydon North by-election, 1940
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Henry Willink 14,163 90.7 +23.6
Independent A. L. Lucas 1,445 9.3 N/A
Majority 12,718 62.0 +47.2
Turnout 15,608 18.3 −46.3
Conservative hold Swing N/A
General Election 1935: Croydon North
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Glyn Mason 36,383 67.1 -13.8
Labour F. Mitchell 17,872 32.9 +13.8
Majority 18,511 34.1 -27.6
Turnout 54,255
Conservative hold Swing -13.8

[edit] See also