A by-election for the seat of Kew was held on 17 April 1971 following the resignation of then Deputy Premier, Arthur Rylah. The by-election was won by Liberal candidate, Rupert Hamer, he won with a 64.8% primary vote and a swing of 23.1% in his primary vote.
Background Since it was first created in 1927, the electoral district of Kew has typically been a safe seat for the Liberal Party.
The by-election was called after the sitting member and Deputy Premier at the time, Arthur Rylah, resigned from parliament. Rylah's resignation followed a failed attempt from members of the local East Kew branch to challenge his preselection. A month after Rylah's resignation announcement, he has collapsed at his desk and spent the following four months in hospital.
Candidates A total of 3 candidates ran in the by-election. Party CandidateBackground Liberal Rupert Hamer Member of the Legislative Council for East Yarra Province Labor Rosslyn Ives Independent L. R. Hull
Results
Preferences were not distributed as Hamer won with an absolute majority of votes (50% of votes).
See also List of Victorian state by-elections
References
Further reading