The 1940 Preston by-election was a parliamentary by-election held for the British House of Commons constituency of Preston in Lancashire on 25 September 1940.
[2][3] During the Second World War, the parties in the war-time coalition government had agreed not to contest by-elections where a seat held by any of their parties fell vacant.
[4] In addition, S. M. Holden announced that he would not nominate a "British Pensions Movement" candidate.
[5] As a result, the Conservative candidate, Randolph Churchill (son of Prime Minister Winston Churchill), was returned unopposed.
[4][2] He represented the constituency until his defeat at the 1945 general election.