21 JULY 1928, Page 3

The result of the Halifax by-election, declared on Friday, July

13th, was a gain for Labour. The figures were :- Alderman A. W. Longbottom (Labour) . . .. 17,536

Major Harry Barnes (Liberal) .. .. 12,585 Major Frank Crossley (Unionist) .. 10,804 Majority .. .. 4,951

At the 1924 elections Mr. Whitley was unopposed, but at the previous election in 1918 the figures were :- Mr. J. H. Whitley (Coalition Liberal) .. .. 22,136

Mr. A. McManus (Labour) .. 4,036 Coalition Liberal majority .. 18,100

The conflict between the Labour and Liberal candidates in the recent campaign was brightened by the fact that each accused the other of stealing his programme. The loss of the seat which the late Speaker held so long is naturally a disappointment to the Liberals. The Unionists had no real hope of succeeding.

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