As the World War comes to an end in Europe (8th May) the United Kingdom engages in a battle of a different style – a political battle. The country faces the first General Election since 1935 as there was no general election in 1940 due to the war and Winston Churchill led a wartime coalition government
The 1945 general election was on Thursday 5 July.
In 1935 three main parties dominated the national perspective, Conservative, Liberal and the emerging Labour Party. By 1933 the Liberal Party was divided between Liberal National (by 1948 known as the National Liberal Party) supporters of the Conservative-dominated National Government, opposition Liberals, and a small number of Independent Liberals.
This is relevant to East Worlington as in 1935 George Lambert, a member of the Liberal National Party, was elected to represent the South Molton Constituency.
East Worlington was a parish in the South Molton Constituency.
In South Molton there were two proposed candidates that supported Winston Churchill as Prime Minister, George Lambert Junior, who was a member of the National Liberal Party, and Major Denis Stucley nominated by the Conservative Party.
Both had a common agenda to oppose the Labour Party. It became apparent that by both these standing for parliament the vote could have been split ‘letting in’ the Labour Party.
Following a meeting of the local Conservative Party Major Denis Stucley withdrew from the contest.
Major Denis Stucley wrote to the press to announce his withdrawal as a candidate.
Major Denis Stucley wrote to Winston Churchill to explain his action to withdraw and the reason.
Winston Churchill replied to Major Denis Stucley to thank him for his decision to withdraw as shown by this letter:
Letter from the Prime Minister to Major Stucley, 25th June 1945
Major Stucley, Crediton 46,
I thank you for your generous action in sacrificing your personal interest in order to take part in the general decision we have come to not to contest the seats which have hitherto been held by the Liberal Nationals. This is a form of putting country before party for truly at this juncture the fortunes of the country do depend upon the shattering defeat of Socialism. Please endeavour to impress on all your friends that the right course to make sure that their spirited action must not be made in vain.
Winston S. Churchill.
alternate letter style
Major Stucley, Crediton 46,
I thank you for your generous action in sacrificing your personal interest in order to take part in the general decision we have come to not to contest the seats which have hitherto been held by the Liberal Nationals. This is a form of putting country before party for truly at this juncture the fortunes of the country do depend upon the shattering defeat of Socialism. Please endeavour to impress on all your friends that the right course to make sure that their spirited action must not be made in vain.
Winston S. Churchill.
George Lambert’s press statement
George Lambert Made a Statement to the Press in support of the action of Major Stucley to withdraw.
It is gratifying to me that the South Molton Division presenting a united front against the revolutionary and impractical ideas of the Socialist Party. Now is not the time to tear up by the roots our industrial system.
The problem, after the defeat of Japan, is to secure a durable peace. Would a Labour Government, torn by internal dissensions, secure peace better than the present Prime Minister the head of a solid majority in the House of Commons ?
That is the crucial and vital decision at this election.
“plead for unity and for support to eliminate party controversy by authorising Mr. Churchill, who has led us to victory, to finish his’ work by leading us to a permanent peace.”
Election results
George Lambert was extremely active in gaining support from the communities of the South Molton Constituency undertaking a tour of venues every Wednesday, including visiting West Worlington.
The result of the election for South Molton were
|
Candidate |
Party |
Votes |
|
19065 |
||
|
9140 |