PRESALE: Battles at the Ballot by John Leston

PRESALE. Book will be published on May 8th 2025. Buy it now and receive before publication. Books will be sent about two weeks from publication day (May 8th 2025).

As the World War One broke out in 1914, the main British political parties agreed a truce for Westminster by-elections: they would allow whoever was the incumbent to win. But the public disagreed and 23 by-elections provided a platform a motley crew of independents. Among them mainstream politicians, failing politicians, party loyalists, idealists, single-issue fanatics, chancers, and no-hopers.

The casus belli for these independents changed as the war progressed, or didn’t, and as issues rose and fell in public significance. Consequently, the contests provide a fascinating insight for a 20thC readership into the priorities and concerns of the home front during WW1, such as:

• the poor quality of Britain’s air defences
• splits within the Labour movement over the war
• opposition to restrictions on alcohol
• controversy about the conscription of married men
• dissatisfaction with support for discharged servicemen
• calls for ever harsher treatment of ‘aliens’
• discontent at the perceived failure to pursue the war vigorously

 
Battles at the Ballots is an authoritative and highly engaging look at a little-known slice of British parliamentary and political history, suitable for both the general trade market and an academic audience. It comes with an 8-page colour plate, full list of election results, footnotes and endnotes. Detailed coverage of 23 by- elections will appeal to those interested in local history in London, South Wales, Scotland, the North-East, Yorkshire, and elsewhere.

✅ FIRST edition hardback (limited numbers)

✅ Free post and packing in the UK

✅ Read it before anyone else (and boast magnificently to your friends)

✅ Superb gift for people who love politics and history

PRESALE. Book will be published on May 8th 2025. Buy it now and receive before publication. Books will be sent about two weeks from publication day (May 8th 2025).