The by-election was caused by the death of the sitting Conservative MP, George William Rickards on 27 November 1943.
When nominations closed, it was to reveal a three horse race, Conservative candidate Harry Riddiough received a joint letter of endorsement from all the leaders of the parties in the coalition.
The Skipton District Labour Party decided to endorse Lawson, the Common Wealth candidate, in exchange for the guarantee that Lawson would stand down in favour of a Labour candidate at the next general election.
[5] In addition to full-time organisers, the Lawson campaign was supported by about 200 volunteers from outside the constituency.
Despite winning, Lawson made good his pledge not to contest the seat at the general election and instead stood and lost at Harrow West.