[1] The constituency returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, elected by the first past the post voting system.
The seat had become vacant following the death of the incumbent Conservative MP, Sir Charles Hall on 9 March.
[5] Clarke had been Member of Parliament for Plymouth from 1880 until 10 February 1900, when he resigned by being appointed Steward of the Manor of Northstead.
[9] It was also speculated that Sir Forrest Fulton, the Common Serjeant of London, might be the Conservative candidate.
[10][11] The Holborn Liberal and Radical Association unanimously decided on Friday 16 March not to contest the seat.