1966 Kingston upon Hull North by-election

The Kingston upon Hull North by-election of 27 January 1966 was held after the death of Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Henry Solomons on 7 November 1965. The seat was retained with an increased majority by Kevin McNamara of the Labour Party. This has been attributed to the announcement of the construction of the Humber Bridge by the government during the campaign.

Previous general election result
1964 general election: Kingston upon Hull [1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Henry Solomons 20,664 43.31
Conservative Michael Coulson 19,483 40.83
Liberal Laurie Millward 7,570 15.86
Majority 1,181 2.48
Turnout 47,717 77.23
Labour gain from Conservative Swing

Results
1966 Kingston upon Hull North by-election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Kevin McNamara 24,479 52.22 +8.91
Conservative Toby Jessel 19,128 40.81 +0.05
Liberal Laurie Millward 2,945 6.28 −11.60
Radical Alliance Richard Gott 253 0.54 New
Independent Russell E. Eckley 35 0.07 New
Independent Kelvin Woodburne 33 0.07 New
Majority 5,351 11.41 +8.93
Turnout 46,873
Labour hold Swing +4.4

Aftermath

Harold Wilson's Labour Party formed a government after winning a majority of four seats at the 1964 general election. Shortly after this by-election, Wilson called a general election for 31 March. Wilson's hope that he would be returned to office with a larger majority had been encouraged by the government's victory at the Kingston upon Hull North by-election. In the end, Wilson's decision was vindicated, as Labour was returned with a larger majority of 96 seats.

References
  1. The Times' Guide to the House of Commons. 1964.

Further reading
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