1919 Bothwell by-election

1919 Bothwell by-election

16 July 1919 (1919-07-16) (Polling) 29 July 1919 (1919-07-29) (Declaration)
Registered	26,572
Turnout	71.9%
Nat Candidate John Robertson James Moffat Party Labour National Liberal Alliance Coalition Popular vote 13,135 5,967 Percentage 68.8% 31.2% Swing 19.7% New
MP before election David MacDonald Unionist Subsequent MP John Robertson Labour

The 1919 Bothwell by-election was held on 16 July 1919. The by-election was held due to the death of the incumbent Unionist MP, David Macdonald. It was won by the Labour candidate John Robertson.

Background

The seat of Bothwell had been contest for the first time at the December 1918 general election with the Unionist candidate Macdonald defeating the Labour candidate John Robertson by just 332 (1.8%) to win the seat as part of the Coalition Government's landside.

On 22 June, MacDonald died of a seizure at his residence in Uddingston, after a holiday to the Highlands.

Candidates

Coalition Liberal

On 1 July, the Bothwell Division Unionist Association and the Local Liberal agreed to unanimously nominate Coalition Liberal James Moffat as the Coalition candidate.

• James Moffat, managing director of the Wemyss Coal Company, Provost of Hamilton since 1913.

Labour

• John Robertson, coal miner, candidate for North East Lanarkshire in 1904, 1906 & 1911 and for Bothwell in 1918

Irish Nationalists

Despite speculation of an Irish Nationalist candidate contesting the seat, none did so.

Campaign

In the later stages of the campaign, the increasing price of coal was primary issue discussed by the candidates.

Result

Bothwell by-election, 1919

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Labour	John Robertson	13,135	68.8	+19.7
C	National Liberal	James Moffat	5,967	31.2	New
Majority			7,168	37.6	N/A
Turnout			19,102	71.9	+2.7
Registered electors			26,572
	Labour gain from Unionist		Swing	N/A
C indicates candidate endorsed by the coalition government.

Aftermath

Robertson successfully regained his gain at the next general election.