By-elections

Study note

Most MPs win their seats at a general election, when the whole country votes at the same time. Sometimes, though, a single seat falls empty between general elections, for example if the sitting MP dies or decides to resign. The constituency cannot simply be left without a representative.

When this happens, a separate election is held in that one constituency to choose a new MP. This is called a by-election. It affects only the constituency where the seat is empty, not the whole country, and it is not the same as a general election or a referendum. For the test, remember that the word for the special election to replace a single MP who has died or resigned is a by-election.

Memory tip: An MP leaves mid-term -> a 'by-election' fills the seat.