EFFECT ON FUTURE POLITICS

Evening Star, Issue 19789, 13 February 1928, Page 4

EFFECT ON FUTURE POLITICS

PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, February 11. There is unrestrained rejoicing in the Liberal ranks oyer Lancaster’s unexpected turnover from a 4,000 majority for Conservatives to one of 1,800 for Liberalism. In view of the remarkable attack on Mr Lloyd George by Lord Ashton, the town’s largest employer of labor, who said that Mr Lloyd George was a dangerous man, disloyal to his party and nis country, and a wrecker of a great historical party, a man whom his own political associates mistrusted*. the vote is regarded equally as a vindication of Mr Lloyd George and as a definite revival of Liberalism, more so in view of Mr Lloyd George’s dramatic appearance at Lancaster to refute the attack. Mr Lloyd George says it was a. stunning victory, and would have an historical effect in future politics of England, and opinion would seem to support this view. The 1 Daily Express ’ editorially describes it as a severe Government setback, but welcomes tbe Liberal victory, because a moderate dose of Liberal victories would be a, tonic to a Ministry which is distinctly sluggish under the weight of its own majority. It will rehearten the Liberals and give them fresh, heart to win recruits, who otherwise might have drifted to the Socialists. The ‘ Daily Chronicle ’ (a Lloyd George journal) says it was a magnificent victory. Liberalism could not ask for higher encouragement. Labor’s official organ, the 1 Daily Herald,’ deplores the Labor defeat, but editorially says: “To Mr Baldwin once again we have the happy privilege of conveying thanks that Toryism is on the downward path.” Lancaster is the thirty-eighth byelection since the General Election, and the Conservatives have won 21, Labor 12, and the Liberals 5. Labor has gained six seats from the Conservatives and one from the Liberals; the Liberals have gained one from Labor and two from the Conservatives; and the Conservatives one from the Liberals. The aggregate polling has been as follows: —Thirty-four Conservatives, 470,307; thirty-three Laborites, 349,226; thirty-five Liberals, 283,670.