1939 Griffith by-election

A by-election was held for the Australian House of Representatives seat of Griffith on 20 May 1939. This was triggered by the death of Labor Party MP Frank Baker.

1939 Griffith by-election

20 May 1939

First party Second party Third party   UAP PLP Candidate William Conelan Peter McCowan Everett Graham Party Labor United Australia Protestant Labour Popular vote 22,967 17,168 15,437 Percentage 41.3% 30.9 27.8% Swing 7.0pp 10.3pp 27.8pp TPP 50.0% 50.0% TPP swing 0.3pp 0.3pp

MP before election Frank Baker Labor Elected MP William Conelan Labor

Conelan table and supporters for the election

McCowan table and supporters for the election

The election was won by Labor candidate William Conelan by eight votes.

Immediately after Baker's death, there was some speculation that Queensland premier, William Forgan Smith would contest the by-election.

Results

Griffith by-election, 1939

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Labor	William Conelan	22,967	41.3	−7.0
	United Australia	Peter McCowan	17,168	30.9	−10.3
	Protestant Labor	Everett Graham	15,437	27.8	+27.8
Total formal votes			55,572	98.2
Informal votes			1,025	1.8
Turnout			56,597	91.6	−5.8
Two-party-preferred result
	Labor	William Conelan	27,790	50.0	−0.3
	United Australia	Peter McCowan	27,782	50.0	+0.3
	Labor hold		Swing	−0.3

See also

• List of Australian federal by-elections