UK parliamentary by-elections since 1945

This list notes the number of by-elections by session since 1945-46 and also gives the results for by-elections since 2005.

Note: This chart is a available in the spreadsheet that can be downloaded below.

When do by-elections happen?

A by-election occurs when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant during the lifetime of a Parliament (ie between general elections), because the sitting MP dies, resigns, is elevated to the peerage, or becomes ineligible to sit for some other reason. There have been four by-elections in the current 2017 Parliament.

Further information

The by-elections page of the Parliament website provides detailed information on results, including the number of votes cast and percentage share of the vote.

See the Commons briefing on UK Election Statistics: 1918–2010 for a list of all by-elections in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Parliament: facts and figures

• Browse all briefings in the series

This series of publications contains data on various subjects relating to Parliament and Government. Topics include legislation, MPs, select committees, debates, divisions and Parliamentary procedure.

Feedback

Please send any comments or corrections to the Parliament & Constitution Centre. Suggestions for new lists welcomed.