The By-election Index The results of the Balham and East
Grinstead by- elections confirm what was said in these columns regarding the Derby result. A number of factors, both personal and general, secured Mr. Noel Baker his impres- sive victory in the Midland constituency. It is clear now that it could not be interpreted as evidence of any nation-wide swing-over from the Government to the Opposition. It is true that at both Balham and East Grinstead—one a suburban residential, the other a rural, constituency—the Government vote fell heavily. That was due, no doubt, to a very intelligible lack of enthusiasm for the Government's recent record, and in part to the belief (which the event justified) that the Government candidate could be regarded as safe anyhow. What is much more important is that the Labour vote actually decreased in each case. Proportionately, of course, it increased, but there are no signs at all, apart from Derby, of indignant voters flocking to the poll to drive a nail in the Government's coffin when they get the chance. The reason is obvious. The Labour Party in opposition has inspired no one with the desire to see it in office. No one will kill Charles to make James king. But the knowledge of that is not altogether good for the Government. Such a situation ought to • give the Liberals their opportunity. But there is no visible prospect of their being able to profit by it.
Previous page
