The Thrill and Turbulence of British By-Elections
By-elections in British politics are often likened to the FA Cup ties—some follow predictable patterns, while others are filled with tension and drama, leading to unexpected outcomes and shocking turns of events. Historically, these electoral contests have been pivotal, shaping the political landscape in ways that resonate far beyond their localities.
Iain Dale’s Insightful Compilation
Recently, publisher and broadcaster Iain Dale released a substantial book, British By-elections: The 88 By-election Campaigns That Shaped Our Politics. This volume dives into the most consequential by-elections of the modern era, with contributions from politicians, academics, and journalists. The discussions around these campaigns illustrate how by-elections can serve as bellwethers of public sentiment and party viability.
The Possible Return of Andy Burnham
Among the names generating buzz in by-election speculation is Andy Burnham, the former Labour MP and current Mayor of Greater Manchester, often referred to as the "King of the North." His potential candidacy for the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton has sparked excitement, especially after he mentioned in a recent interview that he "never ruled out going back to Westminster."
However, the current MP for Gorton and Denton, Andrew Gwynne, remains staunch in his commitment to serve a full term, declaring, "The route to No. 10 is not going to be through Gorton and Denton." This spirited response hints at the competitive and often unpredictable nature of by-elections.
A Personal Journey through By-Elections
Having covered numerous by-elections since 2003, I can attest to the unique atmosphere these events conjure. I started my journey in journalism with the Brent East by-election, where the Liberal Democrats stunned Labour in a shocking upset. Fast forward to the more recent Runcorn and Helsby contest, which ended in the break of dawn after a nail-biting recount, with Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin ahead of Labour by just six votes.
The Art of Counting Votes
In the world of by-elections, every detail matters. Journalists often joke about their equivalent of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) coming into play when recounts are necessary. Personally, I enjoyed covering one count at Old Trafford—home of Manchester United—which added a unique flair to the proceedings. Over my 22 years of reporting on these elections, I have gleaned a few essential tips for navigating the tumultuous atmosphere of a count: keep a sharp eye on the piles of ballot papers, note which candidates are already preparing their victory speeches, and pay close attention during the briefings led by the returning officer.
Iconic By-Election Moments
Some by-elections become iconic. For example, George Galloway’s surprise victory in Bradford West in 2012 saw him overturn a significant Labour majority—turning predictions on their heads and proving how quickly fortunes can shift in these contests. The defining narrative of the night highlighted the anxieties upped by Labour’s expected win, only to be met with Galloway’s striking turnaround.
Similar dramas unfolded in the Hartlepool by-election in 2021, where Boris Johnson’s Tories achieved a rare victory in the so-called "Red Wall." The aftermath saw Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer thrust into disarray, sacking his chief whip and dealing with a leadership shake-up amidst growing pressure.
The Competitive Landscape
The 2021 Batley and Spen by-election was also a classic case of tension, with the outcome open until the very last moment. Kim Leadbeater, sister of the late Jo Cox, edged out the Tory candidate Ryan Stephenson by a mere 323 votes in a contest rife with nervous anticipation and dramatic last-minute surges.
More recently, viewers were treated to a tense atmosphere at the Mid-Bedfordshire by-election following the resignation of Nadine Dorries. It was here where veteran reporter Jon Craig celebrated covering his 40th by-election—a milestone that reflects the enduring intrigue and dynamism surrounding these electoral events.
The Future of By-Elections
As the political landscape shifts with figures like Andy Burnham considering comebacks, eyes are firmly fixed on upcoming contests. With Reform UK positioning themselves in constituencies like Gorton and Denton, the stakes appear high. The question hanging in the air remains whether Burnham will seize the opportunity to challenge for a place in Westminster once again, raising the bar for an already electrifying atmosphere.
With each passing by-election, the tradition of political unpredictability in British elections continues to thrive, making each count a unique chapter in the country’s political saga.
