The 1919 Bothwell by-election was held on 16 July 1919. The by-election was held due to the death of the incumbent Unionist MP, David Macdonald. It was won by the Labour candidate John Robertson.
Background The seat of Bothwell had been contest for the first time at the December 1918 general election with the Unionist candidate Macdonald defeating the Labour candidate John Robertson by just 332 (1.8%) to win the seat as part of the Coalition Government's landside.
On 22 June, MacDonald died of a seizure at his residence in Uddingston, after a holiday to the Highlands.
Candidates Coalition Liberal On 1 July, the Bothwell Division Unionist Association and the Local Liberal agreed to unanimously nominate Coalition Liberal James Moffat as the Coalition candidate.
James Moffat, managing director of the Wemyss Coal Company, Provost of Hamilton since 1913.
Labour John Robertson, coal miner, candidate for North East Lanarkshire in 1904, 1906 & 1911 and for Bothwell in 1918
Irish Nationalists Despite speculation of an Irish Nationalist candidate contesting the seat, none did so.
Campaign In the later stages of the campaign, the increasing price of coal was primary issue discussed by the candidates.
Result
Aftermath Robertson successfully regained his gain at the next general election.
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