Battles at the Ballot

As the World War One broke out in 1914, the main British political parties agreed a truce for Westminster by-elections: they would allow whoever was the incumbent to win. But the public disagreed and 23 by-elections provided a platform a motley crew of independents. Among them mainstream politicians, failing politicians, party loyalists, idealists, single-issue fanatics, chancers, and no-hopers.

The casus belli for these independents changed as the war progressed, or didn’t, and as issues rose and fell in public significance. Consequently, the contests provide a fascinating insight for a 20thC readership into the priorities and concerns of the home front during WW1, such as:

• the poor quality of Britain’s air defences
• splits within the Labour movement over the war
• opposition to restrictions on alcohol
• controversy about the conscription of married men
• dissatisfaction with support for discharged servicemen
• calls for ever harsher treatment of ‘aliens’
• discontent at the perceived failure to pursue the war vigorously

Battles at the Ballots is an authoritative and highly engaging look at a little-known slice of British parliamentary and political history, suitable for both the general trade market and an academic audience. It comes with an 8-page colour plate, full list of election results, footnotes and endnotes. Detailed coverage of 23 by- elections will appeal to those interested in local history in London, South Wales, Scotland, the North-East, Yorkshire, and elsewhere.