The election was won comfortably by the Conservative candidate John Howell with an increased percentage of the popular vote. The governing Labour Party's vote fell by 11% and they finished fifth, losing their deposit.
Background
Henley was considered a safe seat for the Conservative Party—having been held by the party continuously since 1910 up to this election. Johnson had gained a 12,793 majority from the Liberal Democrats at the previous election, though recent local elections have seen the Liberal Democrats' vote rise. Despite this, an easy win for the Conservative Party candidate was predicted, with the Labour Party being given little to no chance of victory. It had been expected that the by-election would be held after the parliamentary summer recess. However, following their victory in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, the Conservatives took the opportunity to bring the by-election forward to 26 June, in order to capitalise on their strong support.
After being elected as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson resigned as MP for Henley - causing a byelection in the seat. Here is the South regional opt out from the Politics Show at the outset of the campaign. The appropriately named Peter Henley presents, talking to members of Henley Conservative Association about the selection, and then discussing the byelection with Theresa May (MP for Maidenhead and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons) and Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat campaign organisers). Daniel Glavin reports on the constituency and campaign generally.
Transmitted 1 June 2008.
published: 05 Jul 2021
Henley byelection count coverage
Coverage from news channels of the count for the Henley byelection in the early hours of Friday 27 June 2008. I would normally expect to be saying 'the result' but sadly that would be a slight exaggeration.
Jon Craig feeds back to Phil Lavelle on one channel, while Tim Willcox in the studio for BBC News talks to David Thompson at the count in Thame.
published: 07 Jul 2021
Henley byelection writ
Patrick McLoughlin, then Opposition Chief Whip, moves the writ for the Henley byelection, after Alexander Boris Johnson accepts office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead, County York.
This recording is from 5 June 2008.
published: 06 Jul 2021
Election Night, 1 May 2008 (BBC local elections coverage)
David Dimbleby presents coverage of the local elections on 1 May 2008. The studio team are Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) and Professor Anthony King. Includes London sections lead by Emily Maitlis at City Hall; she has a panel of political bloggers: Iain Dale, Luke Akehurst and Alix Mortimer.
And there's Jeremy Vine. Oh dear. This is the infamous election night at which he and the BBC's graphics department forgot themselves. The sequences from 1:05:45 and 2:32:00 became notorious. Yes, at 1:13:50, that is future Labour MP Clive Lewis on reporting duties.
Emily's blog link is still live: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2008/local_elections_2008/7371050.stm
published: 21 Jun 2021
Glasgow East byelection special
Because the Glasgow East byelection of July 2008 seemed so important, BBC One Scotland had an old-fashioned 'byelection special' to discuss the results. Presented by Glenn Campbell with help from Prof John Curtice and Angus McLeod, and Aileen Clarke reporting from the count. Jon Sopel helms the political panel: Nicola Sturgeon, Douglas Alexander, Murdo Fraser, and Jo Swinson.
Without spoilers, it's nearly four hours long because there's a recount ... and a close result. Skip to 03:21:45 for the declaration. Transmitted overnight on Thursday 24 - Friday 25 July 2008.
published: 15 Jul 2021
Glasgow East byelection campaiign report 17 July 2008
Gavin Esler on Newsnight introduces a report from Michael Crick on the Glasgow East byelection on 17 July 2008.
published: 13 Jul 2021
Crewe and Nantwich Byelection special
Three hours of BBC News 24 waiting for, and then reporting on, the result of the Crewe and Nantwich byelection. Starts at midnight on Friday 23 May 2008. Jon Sopel talks to Prof John Curtice and Anthony Howard in the studio, with James Landale and David Woodthorpe in Nantwich. Assistance from Laura Kuennsberg and a report from Paula Buonadonna. Michael White helps with the paper review.
Later a political panel is convened: Chris Bryant for Labour, Liam Fox for the Conservatives and Lynne Featherstone for the Liberal Democrats. Sir Vivian Bendall turns up to recall the Ilford North byelection of 1978.
published: 30 Jun 2021
Haltemprice and Howden byelection count and result
Coverage overnight of the count and the declaration of the result in the Haltemprice and Howden byelection. Starts with Newsnight presented by Emily Maitlis, discussing events with Michael Crick and David Davis. Then to rolling news coverage of the count presented by Marverine Cole, with Glen Oglaza. Declaration at 49:14. Transmitted 10-11 July 2008.
After being elected as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson resigned as MP for Henley - causing a byelection in the seat. Here is the South regional opt out from the ...
After being elected as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson resigned as MP for Henley - causing a byelection in the seat. Here is the South regional opt out from the Politics Show at the outset of the campaign. The appropriately named Peter Henley presents, talking to members of Henley Conservative Association about the selection, and then discussing the byelection with Theresa May (MP for Maidenhead and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons) and Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat campaign organisers). Daniel Glavin reports on the constituency and campaign generally.
Transmitted 1 June 2008.
After being elected as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson resigned as MP for Henley - causing a byelection in the seat. Here is the South regional opt out from the Politics Show at the outset of the campaign. The appropriately named Peter Henley presents, talking to members of Henley Conservative Association about the selection, and then discussing the byelection with Theresa May (MP for Maidenhead and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons) and Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat campaign organisers). Daniel Glavin reports on the constituency and campaign generally.
Transmitted 1 June 2008.
Coverage from news channels of the count for the Henley byelection in the early hours of Friday 27 June 2008. I would normally expect to be saying 'the result' ...
Coverage from news channels of the count for the Henley byelection in the early hours of Friday 27 June 2008. I would normally expect to be saying 'the result' but sadly that would be a slight exaggeration.
Jon Craig feeds back to Phil Lavelle on one channel, while Tim Willcox in the studio for BBC News talks to David Thompson at the count in Thame.
Coverage from news channels of the count for the Henley byelection in the early hours of Friday 27 June 2008. I would normally expect to be saying 'the result' but sadly that would be a slight exaggeration.
Jon Craig feeds back to Phil Lavelle on one channel, while Tim Willcox in the studio for BBC News talks to David Thompson at the count in Thame.
Patrick McLoughlin, then Opposition Chief Whip, moves the writ for the Henley byelection, after Alexander Boris Johnson accepts office of Steward or Bailiff of ...
Patrick McLoughlin, then Opposition Chief Whip, moves the writ for the Henley byelection, after Alexander Boris Johnson accepts office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead, County York.
This recording is from 5 June 2008.
Patrick McLoughlin, then Opposition Chief Whip, moves the writ for the Henley byelection, after Alexander Boris Johnson accepts office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead, County York.
This recording is from 5 June 2008.
David Dimbleby presents coverage of the local elections on 1 May 2008. The studio team are Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) and Professor Anthony King. Incl...
David Dimbleby presents coverage of the local elections on 1 May 2008. The studio team are Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) and Professor Anthony King. Includes London sections lead by Emily Maitlis at City Hall; she has a panel of political bloggers: Iain Dale, Luke Akehurst and Alix Mortimer.
And there's Jeremy Vine. Oh dear. This is the infamous election night at which he and the BBC's graphics department forgot themselves. The sequences from 1:05:45 and 2:32:00 became notorious. Yes, at 1:13:50, that is future Labour MP Clive Lewis on reporting duties.
Emily's blog link is still live: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2008/local_elections_2008/7371050.stm
David Dimbleby presents coverage of the local elections on 1 May 2008. The studio team are Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) and Professor Anthony King. Includes London sections lead by Emily Maitlis at City Hall; she has a panel of political bloggers: Iain Dale, Luke Akehurst and Alix Mortimer.
And there's Jeremy Vine. Oh dear. This is the infamous election night at which he and the BBC's graphics department forgot themselves. The sequences from 1:05:45 and 2:32:00 became notorious. Yes, at 1:13:50, that is future Labour MP Clive Lewis on reporting duties.
Emily's blog link is still live: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2008/local_elections_2008/7371050.stm
Because the Glasgow East byelection of July 2008 seemed so important, BBC One Scotland had an old-fashioned 'byelection special' to discuss the results. Present...
Because the Glasgow East byelection of July 2008 seemed so important, BBC One Scotland had an old-fashioned 'byelection special' to discuss the results. Presented by Glenn Campbell with help from Prof John Curtice and Angus McLeod, and Aileen Clarke reporting from the count. Jon Sopel helms the political panel: Nicola Sturgeon, Douglas Alexander, Murdo Fraser, and Jo Swinson.
Without spoilers, it's nearly four hours long because there's a recount ... and a close result. Skip to 03:21:45 for the declaration. Transmitted overnight on Thursday 24 - Friday 25 July 2008.
Because the Glasgow East byelection of July 2008 seemed so important, BBC One Scotland had an old-fashioned 'byelection special' to discuss the results. Presented by Glenn Campbell with help from Prof John Curtice and Angus McLeod, and Aileen Clarke reporting from the count. Jon Sopel helms the political panel: Nicola Sturgeon, Douglas Alexander, Murdo Fraser, and Jo Swinson.
Without spoilers, it's nearly four hours long because there's a recount ... and a close result. Skip to 03:21:45 for the declaration. Transmitted overnight on Thursday 24 - Friday 25 July 2008.
Three hours of BBC News 24 waiting for, and then reporting on, the result of the Crewe and Nantwich byelection. Starts at midnight on Friday 23 May 2008. Jon So...
Three hours of BBC News 24 waiting for, and then reporting on, the result of the Crewe and Nantwich byelection. Starts at midnight on Friday 23 May 2008. Jon Sopel talks to Prof John Curtice and Anthony Howard in the studio, with James Landale and David Woodthorpe in Nantwich. Assistance from Laura Kuennsberg and a report from Paula Buonadonna. Michael White helps with the paper review.
Later a political panel is convened: Chris Bryant for Labour, Liam Fox for the Conservatives and Lynne Featherstone for the Liberal Democrats. Sir Vivian Bendall turns up to recall the Ilford North byelection of 1978.
Three hours of BBC News 24 waiting for, and then reporting on, the result of the Crewe and Nantwich byelection. Starts at midnight on Friday 23 May 2008. Jon Sopel talks to Prof John Curtice and Anthony Howard in the studio, with James Landale and David Woodthorpe in Nantwich. Assistance from Laura Kuennsberg and a report from Paula Buonadonna. Michael White helps with the paper review.
Later a political panel is convened: Chris Bryant for Labour, Liam Fox for the Conservatives and Lynne Featherstone for the Liberal Democrats. Sir Vivian Bendall turns up to recall the Ilford North byelection of 1978.
Coverage overnight of the count and the declaration of the result in the Haltemprice and Howden byelection. Starts with Newsnight presented by Emily Maitlis, di...
Coverage overnight of the count and the declaration of the result in the Haltemprice and Howden byelection. Starts with Newsnight presented by Emily Maitlis, discussing events with Michael Crick and David Davis. Then to rolling news coverage of the count presented by Marverine Cole, with Glen Oglaza. Declaration at 49:14. Transmitted 10-11 July 2008.
Coverage overnight of the count and the declaration of the result in the Haltemprice and Howden byelection. Starts with Newsnight presented by Emily Maitlis, discussing events with Michael Crick and David Davis. Then to rolling news coverage of the count presented by Marverine Cole, with Glen Oglaza. Declaration at 49:14. Transmitted 10-11 July 2008.
After being elected as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson resigned as MP for Henley - causing a byelection in the seat. Here is the South regional opt out from the Politics Show at the outset of the campaign. The appropriately named Peter Henley presents, talking to members of Henley Conservative Association about the selection, and then discussing the byelection with Theresa May (MP for Maidenhead and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons) and Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat campaign organisers). Daniel Glavin reports on the constituency and campaign generally.
Transmitted 1 June 2008.
Coverage from news channels of the count for the Henley byelection in the early hours of Friday 27 June 2008. I would normally expect to be saying 'the result' but sadly that would be a slight exaggeration.
Jon Craig feeds back to Phil Lavelle on one channel, while Tim Willcox in the studio for BBC News talks to David Thompson at the count in Thame.
Patrick McLoughlin, then Opposition Chief Whip, moves the writ for the Henley byelection, after Alexander Boris Johnson accepts office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead, County York.
This recording is from 5 June 2008.
David Dimbleby presents coverage of the local elections on 1 May 2008. The studio team are Nick Robinson (BBC Political Editor) and Professor Anthony King. Includes London sections lead by Emily Maitlis at City Hall; she has a panel of political bloggers: Iain Dale, Luke Akehurst and Alix Mortimer.
And there's Jeremy Vine. Oh dear. This is the infamous election night at which he and the BBC's graphics department forgot themselves. The sequences from 1:05:45 and 2:32:00 became notorious. Yes, at 1:13:50, that is future Labour MP Clive Lewis on reporting duties.
Emily's blog link is still live: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2008/local_elections_2008/7371050.stm
Because the Glasgow East byelection of July 2008 seemed so important, BBC One Scotland had an old-fashioned 'byelection special' to discuss the results. Presented by Glenn Campbell with help from Prof John Curtice and Angus McLeod, and Aileen Clarke reporting from the count. Jon Sopel helms the political panel: Nicola Sturgeon, Douglas Alexander, Murdo Fraser, and Jo Swinson.
Without spoilers, it's nearly four hours long because there's a recount ... and a close result. Skip to 03:21:45 for the declaration. Transmitted overnight on Thursday 24 - Friday 25 July 2008.
Three hours of BBC News 24 waiting for, and then reporting on, the result of the Crewe and Nantwich byelection. Starts at midnight on Friday 23 May 2008. Jon Sopel talks to Prof John Curtice and Anthony Howard in the studio, with James Landale and David Woodthorpe in Nantwich. Assistance from Laura Kuennsberg and a report from Paula Buonadonna. Michael White helps with the paper review.
Later a political panel is convened: Chris Bryant for Labour, Liam Fox for the Conservatives and Lynne Featherstone for the Liberal Democrats. Sir Vivian Bendall turns up to recall the Ilford North byelection of 1978.
Coverage overnight of the count and the declaration of the result in the Haltemprice and Howden byelection. Starts with Newsnight presented by Emily Maitlis, discussing events with Michael Crick and David Davis. Then to rolling news coverage of the count presented by Marverine Cole, with Glen Oglaza. Declaration at 49:14. Transmitted 10-11 July 2008.
The election was won comfortably by the Conservative candidate John Howell with an increased percentage of the popular vote. The governing Labour Party's vote fell by 11% and they finished fifth, losing their deposit.
Background
Henley was considered a safe seat for the Conservative Party—having been held by the party continuously since 1910 up to this election. Johnson had gained a 12,793 majority from the Liberal Democrats at the previous election, though recent local elections have seen the Liberal Democrats' vote rise. Despite this, an easy win for the Conservative Party candidate was predicted, with the Labour Party being given little to no chance of victory. It had been expected that the by-election would be held after the parliamentary summer recess. However, following their victory in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, the Conservatives took the opportunity to bring the by-election forward to 26 June, in order to capitalise on their strong support.