Bournemouth East by-election, 1977

The Bournemouth East by election was a by election for the Parliament of the United Kingdom held on 24 November 1977 after the resignation of John Cordle following his criticism by a Select Committee for business links to corrupt architect John Poulson.

Cordle had been elected in the October 1974 General Election for the Conservative Party with a majority of 10,661 over the Liberal Party.

Results

Bournemouth East by-election, 1977
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Atkinson 15,235 63.41 +11.65
Labour Joseph Goodwin 3,684 15.33 -5.64
Liberal Donald Matthew 3,212 13.37 -11.85
New Britain John Pratt 1,127 4.69 N/A
National Front Kenneth McKilliam 725 3.02 +0.96
International Marxist Brian Heron 494 1.4 N/A
Democratic Monarchist, Public Safety, White Resident Bill Boaks 42 0.17 N/A
Turnout 24,025 42.6
Conservative hold Swing
General Election October 1974: Bournemouth East
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative John Cordle 20,790 51.76 +1.56
Liberal G. K. Musgrave 10,129 25.22 -4.03
Labour D. E. Lock 8,422 20.97 +4.27
National Front M. Hayes 828 2.06 +0.09
Majority 10,661 26,54 +5.59
Turnout 40,149 70.46 -8.14
Conservative hold Swing N/A

Outcome

David Atkinson served in Parliament until the 2005 General Election when he stood down. He was replaced by fellow Conservative, retired Army Major Tobias Ellwood.