What was the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The 1908 Manchester North West by-election was a special election held for the constituency of Manchester North West to elect a Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. It took place on April 24, 1908, using the first past the post voting system.

Why was the 1908 Manchester North West by-election necessary?

The by-election was triggered because Winston Churchill, the sitting Liberal MP for Manchester North West, had been appointed President of the Board of Trade. According to the Ministers of the Crown Act, individuals appointed to such cabinet positions were required to re-contest their seats in Parliament.

Who was the incumbent Member of Parliament for Manchester North West prior to the 1908 by-election?

Winston Churchill had been the Liberal Member of Parliament for Manchester North West since the 1906 general election, when he had gained the seat from the Conservatives.

Who were the main candidates in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The main candidates were Winston Churchill, representing the Liberal Party, and William Joynson-Hicks, representing the Conservative Party. Additionally, Dan Irving stood as the candidate for the Social Democratic Federation.

What were the political backgrounds of the candidates?

Winston Churchill, aged 34, was the incumbent Liberal MP and newly appointed President of the Board of Trade. He had previously served as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies and had a political history including being elected as a Conservative before joining the Liberals. William Joynson-Hicks, aged 43, was a London solicitor and the Conservative candidate, having contested Manchester North previously. Dan Irving, aged 54, was a Branch Secretary for the Social Democratic Federation and had prior electoral experience contesting Accrington in 1906.

What was the date of the polling day for the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

Polling day for the 1908 Manchester North West by-election was fixed for April 24, 1908.

What was the political climate in Manchester regarding economic policy around the time of the by-election?

Manchester was known to favor Free Trade and oppose the protectionist policies advocated by Joseph Chamberlain. Conservative defeats in Manchester during the 1906 general election were partly attributed to Tariff Reform policies, a stance that many local Conservatives, including Joynson-Hicks, opposed.

How did Tariff Reform influence the campaign?

While Tariff Reform was a contentious issue that had hurt Conservatives in Manchester previously, Joynson-Hicks's opposition to it helped to neutralize the issue in the by-election and foster local Conservative unity. Despite this, Churchill still received endorsement from the Free Trade League.

Were there any specific groups that campaigned against Winston Churchill during the by-election?

Yes, suffragettes actively harassed Churchill due to his refusal to support legislation granting women the right to vote. This opposition was notably led by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and included figures like Constance Markievicz, Eva Gore-Booth, and Esther Roper.

What was the final result of the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The Conservative candidate, William Joynson-Hicks, won the by-election. He secured 5,417 votes, representing 50.7% of the total vote, and defeated the Liberal candidate, Winston Churchill, who received 4,988 votes (46.7%).

What was the vote count and percentage for each candidate in the 1908 by-election?

William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative) received 5,417 votes (50.7%). Winston Churchill (Liberal) received 4,988 votes (46.7%). Dan Irving (Social Democratic Federation) received 276 votes (2.6%).

What was the majority achieved by the winner in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

William Joynson-Hicks won with a majority of 429 votes over his closest rival, Winston Churchill.

What was the voter turnout for the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The voter turnout for the by-election was 10,681, representing 89.7% of the electorate.

What was the electoral swing in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The swing from the previous election was +6.9% for the Conservatives and -9.5% for the Liberals. The overall result was a Conservative gain from the Liberal Party. The swing calculation for the gain from Liberal to Conservative was +8.2%.

Which party gained the seat in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election?

The Conservative Party gained the seat from the Liberal Party in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election.

Who was the Member of Parliament for Manchester North West immediately before the 1908 by-election?

Winston Churchill, a Liberal, was the Member of Parliament for Manchester North West before the by-election.

Who became the subsequent Member of Parliament for Manchester North West after the 1908 by-election?

Following the by-election, George Kemp, the 1st Baron Rochdale, became the subsequent MP, representing the Liberal Party.

What happened to Winston Churchill after losing his seat in the by-election?

Although Winston Churchill lost his seat in Manchester North West, he was elected to Parliament again shortly after, winning the 1908 Dundee by-election on May 9, 1908.

What controversial statement did William Joynson-Hicks make after the by-election?

After his victory, William Joynson-Hicks made a notable address to his Jewish hosts at a dinner given by the Maccabean Society, stating that he had 'beaten them all thoroughly and soundly and was no longer their servant.' This statement may have contributed to his later electoral defeat.

How did the Lancashire and Cheshire Women's Suffrage Society react to the actions of the WSPU during the by-election?

The Lancashire and Cheshire Women's Suffrage Society expressed anger towards the WSPU, stating that their members were 'actively assisting to return men to the House of Commons who are the sworn enemies of the people.' They characterized the WSPU members as 'Tories of the most pronounced type'.

What was the result of the 1906 General election in Manchester North West?

In the January 1906 General election, Winston Churchill, standing as a Liberal, won the seat with 5,659 votes (56.2%). He defeated William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative), who received 4,398 votes (43.8%). Churchill secured a majority of 1,241 votes, with a turnout of 88.0%, marking a Liberal gain from the Conservatives.

What was the role of Dan Irving in the 1908 by-election?

Dan Irving, representing the Social Democratic Federation, was a candidate in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election. He received 276 votes, which constituted 2.6% of the total vote, and his party was considered 'New' in this contest, meaning they did not contest the seat in the previous election.

What happened to Dan Irving in the subsequent general election?

At the January 1910 general election, Dan Irving stood for the Social Democratic Federation in the Rochdale constituency, where he finished in third place.

What future political roles did Winston Churchill and William Joynson-Hicks hold?

Later in their careers, Winston Churchill (as Chancellor of the Exchequer) and William Joynson-Hicks (as Home Secretary) served as senior Cabinet colleagues under Stanley Baldwin in his Second Government, which lasted from 1924 to 1929. This occurred after Churchill had rejoined the Conservative Party.

What was the result of the January 1910 general election in Manchester North West?

In the January 1910 general election, the Liberal candidate George Kemp won the seat with 5,930 votes (53.5%), defeating William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative) who received 5,147 votes (46.5%). The Liberals achieved a majority of 783 votes, representing a gain from the Conservatives with a swing of +5.5%.

How did the 1908 Manchester North West by-election result contrast with the previous general election?

The 1908 by-election saw the Conservatives gain the seat from the Liberals, with William Joynson-Hicks defeating Winston Churchill. This reversed the outcome of the 1906 general election, where Winston Churchill had won the seat for the Liberals from the Conservatives.

What does the term 'by-election' signify in the context of UK parliamentary elections?

A by-election is a special election held in a specific parliamentary constituency to fill a vacancy that arises between general elections. Vacancies can occur due to the death of an MP, their resignation, or disqualification, and the elected MP must be chosen by the voters of that constituency.

What was the significance of the 'Ministers of the Crown Act' mentioned in relation to Winston Churchill's re-election?

The Ministers of the Crown Act mandated that individuals appointed to certain high-ranking government positions, such as cabinet ministers, had to seek re-election from their constituents. This ensured that the electorate had an opportunity to confirm their support for the minister after they had taken on new responsibilities.

What was the role of the Social Democratic Federation (SDF) in British politics during this period?

The Social Democratic Federation was a socialist political party in the United Kingdom. Its participation in elections, like that of Dan Irving in the 1908 Manchester North West by-election, represented a distinct political platform advocating for socialist policies, often separate from the mainstream Liberal and Conservative parties.

What does the term 'swing' refer to in election results?

In electoral analysis, 'swing' measures the change in the percentage of votes received by a party between two elections, relative to another party. A positive swing indicates an increase in support for a party, while a negative swing indicates a decrease. It is often calculated as half the difference between the percentage change of the two main parties.

What is the 'first past the post' voting system?

The 'first past the post' system is an electoral process where the candidate who receives the most votes wins the election, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority. It is the system used for electing Members of Parliament in the UK and is known for potentially producing disproportionate results compared to proportional representation systems.

What was the general trend of by-elections for the 28th Parliament of the United Kingdom, as indicated by the navbox?

The navbox lists numerous by-elections held between 1906 and 1909 for the 28th Parliament. These elections saw contests across various constituencies in England, Scotland, and Ireland, involving the major parties of the era, including Liberals, Conservatives, and socialist groups like the SDF, reflecting the dynamic political landscape of the period.

1908 Manchester North West By-election Wiki: The Manchester Crucible: A Definitive Analysis of the 1908 By-election

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Electoral Context

The 1908 Manchester North West by-election was a significant electoral contest held on 24 April 1908. This by-election was necessitated by the appointment of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) to a governmental position, requiring re-election. The constituency, Manchester North West, had previously seen a notable shift in allegiance, highlighting the dynamic political landscape of the era.

Political Climate

This period was marked by intense political debate, particularly concerning issues such as Free Trade versus Tariff Reform, and evolving social movements like women's suffrage. The outcome of this by-election was closely watched as an indicator of public sentiment and the strength of the governing Liberal Party against the resurgent Conservative opposition.

Significance

Beyond the immediate parliamentary representation, the Manchester North West by-election served as a microcosm of broader national political trends. The engagement of prominent figures and the specific campaign issues contributed to its historical relevance in understanding early 20th-century British politics.

The Vacancy

Ministerial Appointment

The parliamentary seat for Manchester North West became vacant due to the ministerial appointment of its sitting Member of Parliament, Winston Churchill. As per the requirements of the time, specifically the Ministers of the Crown Act, any individual appointed to a Cabinet position was obligated to seek re-election from their constituents. Churchill, a prominent figure in the Liberal government, had to contest his seat following his appointment as President of the Board of Trade.

Re-election Mandate

This re-election process, often referred to as a by-election, provided an opportunity for the electorate to affirm or reject their representative following their elevation to a significant government role. The outcome was crucial not only for Churchill's personal political standing but also for the Liberal Party's standing in a key urban constituency.

Key Candidates

Winston Churchill (Liberal)

Winston Churchill, aged 34 at the time of the by-election, was the incumbent Liberal MP for Manchester North West. His political trajectory had been dynamic; initially elected as a Conservative in 1900 for Oldham, he famously crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party in 1904. Upon the Liberals' ascent to power, he served as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1905–1908) before his recent appointment as President of the Board of Trade. His selection by the local Liberal Association to defend his seat underscored his rising prominence within the party.

William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative)

Representing the Conservative Party was William Joynson-Hicks, a 43-year-old solicitor from London. This election marked his third parliamentary contest. He had previously contested the neighbouring Manchester North constituency in 1900, narrowly losing by 26 votes. Joynson-Hicks's candidacy was notable for his alignment with the Free Trade wing of the Conservative Party, a position that helped to unify local Conservative support on the issue of Tariff Reform, which was unpopular in Manchester.

Dan Irving (Social Democratic Federation)

The Social Democratic Federation (SDF) nominated Dan Irving, a 54-year-old Branch Secretary, to contest the seat. Although not representing the Labour Party directly, Irving's candidacy represented a socialist challenge. The SDF had strongholds in areas like Burnley, influenced by leaders such as Henry Hyndman. Irving had prior electoral experience, having won a seat on Burnley Town Council and contested the Accrington constituency in 1906, finishing third.

Campaign Dynamics

Key Issues and Endorsements

The campaign revolved around several critical issues. Manchester's strong Free Trade sentiment played a significant role, with Churchill receiving endorsement from the Free Trade League. Joynson-Hicks's stance against Tariff Reform also helped neutralize this issue for the Conservatives, fostering local party unity. However, Churchill faced opposition from suffragettes, particularly the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), who protested his refusal to support women's suffrage legislation. Notable suffragettes like Constance Markievicz, Eva Gore-Booth, and Esther Roper were active in these protests.

Religious and Social Divides

The campaign also highlighted religious and social divisions. Jewish constituents expressed hostility towards Joynson-Hicks due to his support for the Aliens Act 1905. Conversely, some Roman Catholic priests urged their congregations to vote Conservative, citing opposition to Liberal education policies that they believed undermined Catholic schools' autonomy.

Polling Day

Polling Day was scheduled for 24 April 1908. The election was keenly contested, reflecting the complex political allegiances and social issues prevalent in Manchester at the time.

Election Results

Outcome and Analysis

The by-election resulted in a Conservative gain, with William Joynson-Hicks defeating Winston Churchill. This outcome represented a significant shift from the 1906 general election, where Churchill had secured the seat for the Liberals. The results indicated a swing towards the Conservatives, particularly on the key issues debated during the campaign.

The following table details the votes cast and the percentage share for each candidate in the 1908 by-election:

1908 Manchester North West by-election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Conservative	William Joynson-Hicks	5,417	50.7	+6.9
	Liberal	Winston Churchill	4,988	46.7	−9.5
	Social Democratic Federation	Dan Irving	276	2.6	New
Majority			429	4.0	N/A
Turnout			10,681	89.7	+1.7
	Conservative gain from Liberal		Swing	+8.2

The following table provides context by showing the results of the preceding general election:

1906 General Election Results (Manchester North West)
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal	Winston Churchill	5,659	56.2	*New*
	Conservative	William Joynson-Hicks	4,398	43.8	N/A
Majority			1,241	12.4	N/A
Turnout			10,057	88.0	N/A
	Liberal gain from Conservative		Swing	N/A

Aftermath and Legacy

Churchill's Return

Despite losing his seat in Manchester, Winston Churchill's political career was far from over. He swiftly secured a new seat by winning the 1908 Dundee by-election on 9 May 1908. This demonstrated his resilience and continued influence within the political sphere.

Joynson-Hicks's Notoriety

William Joynson-Hicks gained specific notoriety following the election. In an address to his Jewish hosts at a dinner hosted by the Maccabean Society, he reportedly declared his victory and stated he was "no longer their servant." This remark, perceived by some as anti-Semitic, may have contributed to his eventual loss of the seat back to the Liberals in the subsequent general election.

Future Collaborations

Interestingly, both Churchill (then Chancellor of the Exchequer) and Joynson-Hicks (later Home Secretary) would serve as senior Cabinet colleagues in Stanley Baldwin's second government (1924–1929). This occurred after Churchill had rejoined the Conservative Party, highlighting the shifting political alliances and careers of prominent figures of the era.

Historical Context

Manchester's Electoral Landscape

Manchester had been a significant battleground during the 1906 general election. The region strongly favored Free Trade and opposed the protectionist policies advocated by Joseph Chamberlain. The Conservative Party suffered considerable defeats in Manchester in 1906, including the loss of Arthur Balfour's seat in Manchester East. This historical context is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the 1908 by-election, particularly regarding the Free Trade issue.

Seat History

Prior to Winston Churchill's victory for the Liberal Party in the 1906 general election, the Manchester North West constituency had been held by the Conservative Party since its creation in 1885. Churchill's win in 1906 represented a notable shift, making the 1908 by-election a critical test of whether this Liberal hold could be maintained.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "1908 Manchester North West By-election" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about 1908_manchester_north_west_by-election while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

anabaptism

paleolithic

hatikvah

mason bogie locomotive

the basketball league

References

Paul Addison, Churchill on the Home Front 1900â1955 (second edition London 1993) p. 64

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1908 Manchester North West by-election Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Data Accuracy

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system, drawing exclusively from the provided source material concerning the 1908 Manchester North West by-election. It is intended for advanced academic study and informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure fidelity to the source and clarity of presentation, the content is based on a specific dataset and may not encompass all nuances or subsequent historical interpretations.

This is not political or historical consulting advice. The information presented should not be considered a substitute for professional historical research, electoral analysis, or consultation with subject matter experts. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and scholarly works for comprehensive understanding. The AI and its creators are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.

The Manchester Crucible

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Electoral Context

⚖️ Political Climate

📍 Significance

The Vacancy 🗓️

💼 Ministerial Appointment

🔄 Re-election Mandate

Key Candidates 👤

🇬🇧 Winston Churchill (Liberal)

📜 William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative)

🚩 Dan Irving (Social Democratic Federation)

Campaign Dynamics 📣

🗣️ Key Issues and Endorsements

✝️ Religious and Social Divides

🗓️ Polling Day

Election Results 📊

🗳️ Outcome and Analysis

Aftermath and Legacy ➡️

🚀 Churchill's Return

🗣️ Joynson-Hicks's Notoriety

🤝 Future Collaborations

Historical Context 📜

🗺️ Manchester's Electoral Landscape

🔄 Seat History

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Integrity and Data Accuracy

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Electoral Context

Political Climate

Significance

The Vacancy

Ministerial Appointment

Re-election Mandate

Key Candidates

Winston Churchill (Liberal)

William Joynson-Hicks (Conservative)

Dan Irving (Social Democratic Federation)

Campaign Dynamics

Key Issues and Endorsements

Religious and Social Divides

Polling Day

Election Results

Outcome and Analysis

Aftermath and Legacy

Churchill's Return

Joynson-Hicks's Notoriety

Future Collaborations

Historical Context

Manchester's Electoral Landscape

Seat History

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Data Accuracy