The by-election was caused by the appointment of the sitting LiberalMP, the Rt. Hon. Edwin Montagu as Secretary of State for India.[1] Under the Parliamentary rules of the day he had to resign and fight a by-election.
Candidates
Montagu was re-selected to fight the seat by his local Liberal Association and as the wartime truce between the political parties was in operation no opposing candidate was nominated against him.
The result
There being no other candidates putting themselves forward Montagu was returned unopposed.[2]