The Croydon South by-election, 1919 was a parliamentary by-election for the British House of Commons constituency of Croydon South on 14 November 1919.
Contents
Vacancy
The by-election was caused by the resignation of the sitting Unionist MP, Sir Ian Malcolm on 28 October 1919. He had been the MP for Croydon since December 1910.
Electoral history
Croydon was a traditionally strong area for the Unionists. The Croydon constituency was created in 1885 and won by the Unionists at every election. In 1918 it was divided into two seats and it's MP, Ian Malcom, was elected for the new Croydon South seat. He was helped by the absence of a Liberal opponent and the official support of the Coalition government;
Candidates
Campaign
Polling Day was set for 14 November, just 17 days after the resignation of Malcolm. Close of Nominations occurred on 4 November to reveal a two cornered contest. Smith received official backing from the Coalition Government, while Houlder's candidacy was backed by the Liberal opposition.
Result
There was a big drop in the Unionist majority.
Sir Allan Smith thought the result "was a victory for the forces of unity".
Aftermath
Smith retained the seat at the following election because the anti-Unionist vote was split when Muggeridge intervened. Houlder did not stand for parliament again. The result at the following General election;