The 1939 Hawthorn state by-election was held on 10 June 1939 to elect the member for Hawthorn in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, following the death of United Australia Party (UAP) MP John Gray.
Despite a 34% swing away from the UAP (two Independent UAP candidates were also contesting), Les Tyack won the seat for the UAP against Labor candidate Albert Nicholls with 54.1% of the two-party-preferred vote.
Tyack lost the seat one year later at the 1940 state election, when he was defeated by Leslie Hollins (who unsuccessfully contested the by-election as an independent). Tyack again won Hawthorn in 1950, but lost his seat in 1952.
Key events 6 May 1939 – John Gray dies 17 May 1939 – Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly 29 May 1939 – Candidate nominations close 10 June 1939 – Polling day 12 June 1939 – Return of writ
Candidates Candidates are listed in the order they appeared on the ballot.
Party Candidate Background John Chirnside Manager Leslie Hollins Automotive engineer Albert Nicholls Public accountant Progressive Independent Benjamin Nicholson Former soldier who stood for UAP preselection Les Tyack Hawthorn councillor William Vaughan Printer and publisher
Additionally, L. H. Hagon declined to contest and William Hulse (Labor's candidate in 1929 and 1930) lost Labor preselection.
Results
See also Electoral results for the district of Hawthorn List of Victorian state by-elections
References