TORIES DEFEAT

Grey River Argus, 13 February 1928, Page 5

TORIES DEFEAT

AT LANCASTER “A Tonic for the Ministry” SAYS PARTY ORGAN. (Received February 12 at f p.m.) LONDON, February 11. There is unrestrained rejoicing in the Liberal ranks over Lancaster’s unexpected tumover from a four thousand majoritv tor Conservatism, to one ot S(KI for Liberalism.

In view of the remarkable attack on Air Lloyd George by Lord Ashton, the town’s largest employer of labour, vvao sai ( ] Air Lloyd George was a dangerous man, disloyal to his party and country, and the wrecker of the great historical party, and a man whom his own political associates mistrusted, the vote is regarded as a vindication of Air Lloyd George as a definite revival of Liberalism, and more so in view of Air Lloyd George’s dramatic appearance at Lan caster to refute the attack. Al. r Lloyd George says it is a stun- 1 ning victory, and will have a historical effect on the future politics ot' lingland. Conservative opinion would seem to support this view. The “Daily Express’’ editorially describes it as a severe Government setback, but welcomes the Liberal victory because a moderate dose of Liberal victories would be a tonic to the Ministry, which is distinctly sluggish, under the weight of its own majority. It will rehearten tin* Liberals and give fi’csh heart to win recruits, who otherwise might have drifted to the Socialists.

The “Daily Chronicle,” the Lloyd George journal, says it is a magnificent victory. Liberalism could not ask for higher encouragement. Labour’s official organ, the “Daily Herald.’’ deplores the Labour defeat, but editorially says: “To Air Baldwin, once again, wc have the happy privilege of conveying our thanks that Toryism is on the downward path. Lancaster is the thirty-eighth byelection since the general election. The Conservatives have won 21, Labour 12, an ( | the Liberals five. La,hour has gained six seats from the Conservatives and oni* from the Liberals. The Liberals have gained one from Labour and two from the Conservatives, and the Conservatives one from .the Liberals. The aggregate polling has been as follows: 34 Conservatives, 470,307; 33 Labourites, 349,226; 35 Liberals, 283,670.