UK/By-election
 UK/By-election(election)   | |
|---|---|
| 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.
Contents
Why
A by-election is held when a seat becomes vacant[1]. This can happen when an MP:
- resigns or dies
- is declared bankrupt
- takes a seat in the House of Lords
- is convicted of a serious criminal offence.
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 name | Description |
|---|---|
| 2014 Clacton by-election | British by-election |
| 2017 Frinton by-election | local election in 2017 |
| 2021 Hartlepool by-election | The Tories win a seat in the post-industrial working class heartland. Labour had held this seat since 1959. |
| 2021 North Shropshire by-election | By-election in Shropshire. |
| 2022 Birmingham Erdington by-election | |
| 2022 Tiverton and Honiton by-election | |
| 2022 Wakefield by-election | Held 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 Kingswood by-election | |
| 2024 Rochdale by-election | |
| 2024 Wellingborough by-election |
