BRITISH POLITICS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 52, 13 February 1928, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS

LATEST LIBERAL VICTORY UNRESTRAINED REJOICING. PRESS COMMENT. London, February 11. There is unrestrained rejoicing in the Liberal ranks over Lancaster s unexpected turnover from a 4000 majority- for Conservatism to 800 for Liberalism. In view of a remarkable attack on Mr Lloyd George by Lord Ashton, the town’s largest employer of labour, who said Mr Lloyd George was a dangerous man. disloyal to his party and to the country and the wrecker of a great historical party, a man whom his own associates mistrusted, the vote is regarded equall- as a vindi cation of Mr Lloyd George as a definite revival of Liberalism, more so in view of Mr Llovd George’s dramatic appearance at Lancaster to refute the attack Mr Lloyd George says it is a stunning victory and will have an historical effect on the future of politics in England. Conservative opinion would seem to support this view. The “Daily Express” editorially describes it as a severe Government set-buck, but welcomes the Liberal victory, “because a moderate dose of Liberal victories would be a tonic >o the Ministry, which is distinctly sluggish under the weight of its own majority. It will rehearten Liberalism and give fresh heart to win recruits who otherwise might have drifted to the Socialists.” The “Daily Chronicle,” which is a 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 Mr Baldwin once again we have the happy privilege of conveying thanks that Toryism is on the downward path.” Lancaster is the thirty-eighth by election since the general election. The Conservatives have won 21, Labour 12 and the Liberals five. Labour has gained six seats from the Conservatives and one from the Liberals. the Liberals have gained one from Labour and two from Conservatives. and the Conservatives one from the Liberals. The aggregate polling has been as follows:- —34 Con servatives 470.307, 33 Labourites 319.226 35 Liberals 283,670.—(A. and N.Z.)