The Conservatives held the seat, with Jacqui Lait winning the by-election on 20 November.

Piers Merchant had been under pressure during the May 1997 general election after tabloid newspaper stories about his relationship with a bar hostess whom he had employed as a researcher,[1] but he had denied any impropriety, and retained the confidence of his local association.

His resignation on 21 October was caused by further newspaper stories and video footage which confirmed that his denial had been misleading.

At the by-election, the Conservatives selected Jacqui Lait, who had lost her seat at Hastings in the general election.

The Labour candidate, Robert (Bob) Hughes, was a long time resident of the constituency and had contested the seat at the general election.