There was a strong showing by the Scottish National Party, which prefigured their serious breakthrough at the Govan by-election later in the year, and the two general elections of 1974.
[2] During the campaign Fitzgerald pledged action to try to prevent the loss of 70 jobs at the local Robb Caledon shipyard.
[4] While Labour were reported to be relieved to hold the seat, it was noted that the result showed the SNP were still an electoral force.
[6] Machin's victory speech was reportedly disrupted by 'the angry shouts of Scottish Nationalist supporters' and he faced 'chants of "Go back to Yorkshire" and "Go home, Englishman".
[7] Ultimately, Machin's success was short lived as Wilson built on his performance and captured the seat in the February general election the following year.