1935 Dumfriesshire by-election


The Dumfriesshire by-election, 1935 was a by-election held for the British House of Commons constituency of Dumfriesshire in Scotland on 12 September 1935. The by-election was won by the National Liberal Party candidate Sir Henry Fildes.
It was the last by-election of the 1931–1935 Parliament. Only six weeks later, on 25 October, Parliament was dissolved for the 1935 general election.

Vacancy

The National Liberal MP Dr Joseph Hunter had died on 24 July 1935, aged 59. He had held the seat since the 1929 general election.

Candidates

The parties in the National Government did not usually contest by-elections in seats held by other governing parties, so the National Liberal Party candidate Sir Henry Fildes did not face a Conservative opponent.
The only other candidate was J. Downie, Labour Co-operative.

Result

On a reduced turnout, Fildes held the seat for the National Liberals, with a reduced but still large majority, taking over 60% of the votes. He was re-elected at the general election in November 1935, and held the seat until he stood down at the 1945 general election.

Votes