UK/By-election

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Concept.png UK/By-election
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A UK local election of for the replacement of a single Member of Parliament when the seat becomes vacant between general elections.

A UK By-election is a local election of a single MP when the seat becomes vacant between general elections.

Why

A by-election is held when a seat becomes vacant[1]. This can happen when an MP:

A by-election does not have to take place if an MP changes political party.

How

A new Writ is usually issued within three months of the vacancy. There have been a few times when seats remained vacant longer than six months. Seats will be left vacant towards the end of a Parliament. They are then filled at the general election. If there are many vacant seats by-elections can take place on the same day. The by-election timetable is between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writ.[1]

Importance

If the government has a minimal electoral majority, by-elections achieve more importance. Often they serve as barometers of public opinion, and provide a chance for electioneering.


 

Examples

Page nameDescription
2014 Clacton by-electionBritish by-election
2017 Frinton by-electionlocal election in 2017
2021 Hartlepool by-electionThe Tories win a seat in the post-industrial working class heartland. Labour had held this seat since 1959.
2021 North Shropshire by-electionBy-election in Shropshire.
2022 Birmingham Erdington by-election
2022 Tiverton and Honiton by-election
2022 Wakefield by-electionHeld on 23 June 2022, triggered by the resignation of Tory MP Imran Ahmad Khan following a criminal conviction for child sexual assault
2023 Mid Bedfordshire by-election
2023 Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election
2023 Tamworth by-election
2023 West Lancashire by-election
2024 Blackpool South by-election
2024 Kingswood by-election
2024 Rochdale by-election
2024 Wellingborough by-election
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