BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9635, 6 March 1923, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

WILLESDEN BY-ELECTION; /

A LIBERAL VICTORY

HON- G. STANLEY DEFEATED

United’ Press Assooiation— Copyright.) * LONDON,, March 4.

The East Willesden by-election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Mallaby Deeley resulted:— Harcourt Johnstone (Liberal) ... 14,842 Hon. G. F. Stanley (Conservative) 9,CIS,

The Avidest interest centred on this and the Mitcham elections, both members resigning to provide seats for Ministers. The result of the latter, in which Sir A. Griffith BoscaAven is opposed by Independent Conservative, Asquithian and Labor candidates, will be declared to-morrow.

The Hon. G. Stanley made a strong appeal on the housing question, also guaranteeing a square deal to exservice men. His defeat and the huge turnover of votes Avero totally unexpected.

Sir J. Simon, fin an important vigorous speech at deckheaton, replied to Mr. Lloyd George’s speech on Liberal re-union. He said Mr. Lloyd George omitted to mention that the only qualification for political life that commanded public' confidence Avas the quality of speaking what you really believe, not changing your political destination Avitli every Avind that bloAvs. Unity, by some dramatic gesture, secret conclusion, or historic handshake Avas too romantic and pictorial. It'will not- do Liberalism any good to double its membership at the expense of halving its energy. What the Liberal army Avants is not so much political strategy in.'manoeuvres but more men to line,, the trenches and go oyer the top. Mr Asquith refused someAvhat acidly to comment on Mr Lloyd George’s suggestion for a Liberal re-union. He even declined to listen to the main points.—A. and N.Z.O.A.