1978 Ilford North by-election

1978 Ilford North by-election

2 March 1978

Constituency of Ilford North
  First party Second party Third party
 
Con
Lib
Candidate Vivian Bendall Tessa Jowell John Freeman
Party Conservative Labour Liberal
Popular vote 22,548 17,051 2,248
Percentage 50.31% 38.04% 5.02%
Swing Increase 9.43% Decrease 4.44% Decrease 11.62%

MP before election

Millie Miller
Labour

Elected MP

Vivian Bendall
Conservative

The Ilford North by-election of 2 March 1978 was held after the death of Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Miller on 29 October 1977. The seat was gained by the Conservatives in a defeat for James Callaghan's government.

Results

1978 Ilford North by-election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Vivian Bendall 22,548 50.31 +9.43
Labour Tessa Jowell 17,051 38.04 –4.44
Liberal John Freeman 2,248 5.02 –11.62
National Front John Hughes 2,126 4.74 New
Conservative Independent Democrat Thomas Iremonger 671 1.50 New
East London People's Front Carole Rowe 89 0.20 New
New Britain Alfred Burr 48 0.11 New
Democratic Monarchist, Public Safety, White Resident Bill Boaks 38 0.08 New
Majority 5,497 12.27 N/A
Turnout 44,819 69.10 -5.36
Registered electors
Conservative gain from Labour Swing
  • Alfred Burr was exposed as a convicted child abuser after nominations closed, resulting in the withdrawal of his endorsement by the New Britain Party and his withdrawal from election six days before the date of the by-election.
General election October 1974: Ilford North
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Millie Miller 20,621 42.48 +4.48
Conservative Thomas Iremonger 19,843 40.88 +2.32
Liberal Gareth Wilson 8,080 16.64 -6.80
Majority 778 1.60 N/A
Turnout 48,544 74.46 -5.15
Registered electors 65,195
Labour gain from Conservative Swing

See also