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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