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The Bethnal Green South West by-election was a Parliamentary by-election. It returned one Member of Parliament to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, elected by the first past the post voting system.
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Vacancy
Edward Pickersgill had been the Liberal MP for Bethnal Green South West since 1906, having previously represented the seat from 1885-1900. In the intervening period, it was represented by a Conservative. Pickersgill resigned from the Commons in July 1911 in order to take up a post as a stipendary magistrate.
Candidates
Charles Masterman was chosen as the Liberal candidate to defend the seat. He had been Liberal MP for West Ham North until forced out by the courts early in 1911 when his December 1910 victory was declared void. Despite this disruption to his parliamentary status, he had continued in the government post of Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. During this period he was responsible for the passage through parliament of the National Insurance Act 1911.
Eric Hoffgaard, who had been Conservative candidate at the last election was again chosen to challenge for the seat.
An Australian-born Socialist John Scurr made it a three-way fight.
Campaign
Polling Day was fixed for the 29 July.
Result
The Liberals held the seat and managed a slightly increased majority;
Aftermath
In February 1914, Masterman was appointed Chancellor of the Ducky of Lancaster, and required to resign and fight another by-election and this time was defeated.