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1940 Croydon North by-election

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

Election results

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1940 Croydon North by-election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Henry Willink 14,163 90.7 +23.6
Independent Arthur Lascelles Lucas 1,445 9.3 New
Majority 12,718 81.4 +47.2
Turnout 15,608 18.3 −46.3
Registered electors
Conservative hold Swing
General election 1935: Croydon North
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Glyn Mason 36,383 67.1 −13.8
Labour Frank Mitchell 17,872 32.9 +13.8
Majority 18,511 34.2 −27.5
Turnout 54,255 64.6 −4.8
Registered electors 83,986
Conservative hold Swing -13.8

See also

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References

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  • Fred W. S. Craig. British Parliamentary Election Results 1918-1949. Political Reference Publications, 1969