The Counsel for Masterman admitted that the expenses had exceeded the legal limit, and that the agent, who was in bad health, had failed to check the accounts.

The counsel for the petitioner (the defeated Conservative candidate), while contending that it was impossible to avoid bringing the petition, in view of the illegal proceeding which had been shown, publicly stated that no imputation had been made against Masterman's integrity, honour, or conduct.

Masterman had comfortably retained his seat at the last general election; The prominent national issue of the day was the Liberal government's Veto Bill, that they had introduced to curb the power of the House of Lords.

The Liberal candidate de Forest, in his election address stated that he was in favour of land nationalisation, Irish Home Rule, revised licensing laws, female suffrage and equality of religion in education.

At the outbreak of war, Unionists tried to paint de forest as an enemy sympathiser, despite the fact that he joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.