It was held to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, alongside a plebiscite on daylight saving time and liquor.

[4] Due to the preferential ballot and a large increase in SC support, the election resulted in a surprise victory for the new Social Credit Party.

After the coalition had collapsed, the Liberals felt threatened by the rising popularity of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation.

[5] In districts where CCF candidates were eliminated, back-up preferences were marked overwhelmingly for the British Columbia Social Credit League (BCSCL).

The CCF received 18 seats, helped in many cases by transfers from eliminated SC candidates.

Both Premier Byron "Boss" Johnson and Tory leader Herbert Anscomb lost their seats.

Alberta Social Credit Member of Parliament Ernest George Hansell had led the party during the election campaign without contesting a seat himself.