Vale of Glamorgan by-election, 1989

A by-election was held for the British House of Commons constituency of Vale of Glamorgan on 4 May 1989 following the death of Conservative MP Sir Raymond Gower.

Eleven candidates stood, which remains the most in any Welsh by-election.

The result was a Labour gain, the party's first by-election gain of this parliamentary term, which came at a time when it was starting to match and even overtake the Conservative government in the opinion polls, just after the controversial poll tax was announced.

Neil Kinnock believed the result, which was reported as 'a massive victory' for Labour, showed a change in the Labour Party's fortunes, and stated "the tide has turned". The swing of 12.35 was significant as if repeated at the next general election would have resulted in Labour winning power.[1]

Ultimately the seat was narrowly won back by the Conservatives at the 1992 general election.

Vale of Glamorgan by-election, 1989[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Labour John William Patrick Smith 23,342 48.9 +14.2
Conservative Rod Richards 17,314 36.3 −10.5
Social and Liberal Democrats Frank Leavers 2,017 4.2 N/A
Plaid Cymru John Dixon 1,672 3.5 +1.7
SDP David Keith Davies 1,098 2.3 N/A
Green Marilyn Wakefield 971 2.0 N/A
Protect the Health Service Christopher Tiarks 847 1.8 N/A
Monster Raving Loony Screaming Lord Sutch 266 0.5 N/A
Independent Welsh Socialist Eric Roberts 148 0.3 N/A
Corrective Party Lindi St Claire 39 0.1 N/A
Christian Alliance David Black 32 0.1 N/A
Majority 6,028 12.6 N/A
Turnout 47,746 70.7 -8.6
Registered electors 67,549
Labour gain from Conservative Swing −12.4

References

  1. ↑ "Poll shock stuns partying Thatcher". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 May 1989. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  2. ↑ Boothroyd, David. "Results of Byelections in the 1987-92 Parliament". United Kingdom Election Results. Retrieved 2015-10-01.

See also

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