Thomas Cook had been an MP for Dundee East since its creation in 1950, having previously represented the old two-member Dundee seat. On 31 May 1952 he was travelling between Arbroath and Dundee when his car left the road, struck a tree and went over a low wall in to a field, killing him instantly.[2] Reporting Cook's death, The Glasgow Herald speculated that Labour should fairly safely hold the seat in the by-election to follow, arguing that while until October 1951 the seat might have been considered marginal, Cook's holding of it against a strong campaign suggested that the seat could now be considered a safe one for Labour.[2] However the newspaper opined that the strength of Labour's majority would give some indication as to the extent of the "alleged unpopularity" of the Conservative Government.[2]
On the eve of the poll, both Thomson and the Conservative and National Liberal candidate Paul Cowcher declared themselves confident of victory. Stewart stated he had enjoyed his campaign and believed it would lead to the 'consolidation of nationalist activities' in Dundee.[5] Thomson's final election meeting was held at Dundee's Premierland Boxing Stadium, where he wore boxing gloves and spoke from the ring.[5]
Thomson considered his victory, and the fall in the Conservative vote, represented a vote of no confidence in the Government. Crowcher blamed the fall in the Conservative vote on unemployment in the local textile industry and felt people had yet to realise that 'unpopular measures' taken by the Government were in their best interests. Stewart admitted to being 'a little disappointed' that people who had indicated they supported Scottish nationalism did not all vote for him.[7]