1962 Middlesbrough West by-election

The 1962 Middlesbrough West by-election was held on 6 June 1962 when the incumbent Conservative MP, Sir Jocelyn Simon was appointed as President of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court. The by-election was won by the Labour MP, Jeremy Bray, who retained the gain at the 1964 general election.

Thompson was serving in the British Armed Forces. The law stated that, on standing in a Parliamentary election, he would be released from the Forces; this was, therefore, a way to receive an early honourable discharge, for the cost of a lost deposit. This approach was copied by eight candidates in the by-elections held on 22 November, and was banned soon afterwards.[1]

Middlesbrough West by-election, 1962
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Jeremy Bray 15,095 39.67 +4.22
Conservative Bernard Connelly 12,825 33.70 −21.18
Liberal George Scott 9,829 25.83 +16.16
Independent Russell Ernest Eckley 189 0.50 New
Independent Malcolm Thompson 117 0.31 New
Majority 2,270 5.97 N/A
Turnout 38,055
Labour gain from Conservative Swing

References

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  1. ^ F. W. S. Craig, Minor Parties at British Parliamentary Elections, p.129