There were only two candidates in the election, with John Smith always the clear favourite to win.

The contest took place simultaneously with the 1992 Labour Party deputy leadership election.

John Smith was elected leader of the Labour Party with a clear majority.

Shortly after Black Wednesday in September 1992, Labour's lead in the opinion polls began to rise.

By the time of his sudden death, Smith was widely predicted and expected to become prime minister at the next general election.