[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 vacancy was caused when the borough's Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) James Gascoyne-Cecil, known by his courtesy title as Viscount Cranborne, succeeded to the peerage on 22 August 1903.

[5] The Liberal Party selected as its candidate Sir Harry Johnston,[4] an African explorer and colonial administrator.

The Liberals were disappointed that the election was called so soon after the vacancy occurred, because they believed that a longer campaign would help their prospects.

[6] Extensive canvassing took place on Saturday 19 September, after which both parties reported that the outcome would likely depend on the Labour vote.