Battles at the Ballot by John Leston

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.

Battles at the Ballots is an authoritative and highly engaging look at a little-known slice of British parliamentary and political history. It includes colour and black and white photographs, 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

✅ Superb gift for people who love politics and history