Battles at the Ballot

Battles at the Ballot Synopsis

The previously untold story of the home front in WW1

As World War One broke out in 1914, the main British political parties agreed a truce for Westminster by-elections: they would allow whoever was the incumbent to win. But the public disagreed and 23 by-elections provided a platform for a motley crew of independents. Among them mainstream politicians, failing politicians, party loyalists, idealists, single-issue fanatics, chancers, and no-hopers.

The casus belli for these independents changed as the war progressed, or didn't, and as issues rose and fell in public significance. Consequently, the contests provide a fascinating insight for a 20th Century readership into the priorities and concerns of the home front during WW1, such as:

• the poor quality of Britain's air defences
• splits within the Labour movement over the war
• opposition to restrictions on alcohol
• controversy about the conscription of married men
• dissatisfaction with support for discharged servicemen
• calls for ever harsher treatment of 'aliens'
• discontent at the perceived failure to pursue the war vigorously

Battles at the Ballots is an authoritative and highly engaging look at a little-known slice of British parliamentary and political history, suitable for both the general trade market and an academic audience. It features colour and black and white photographs and illustrations, a full list of election results, footnotes and endnotes. Detailed coverage of 23 by-elections will appeal to those interested in local history in London, South Wales, Scotland, the North-East, Yorkshire, and elsewhere.

Introduction by Sir John Curtice, the BBC's election expert