Honiton was regarded as a potwalloper borough by the time of Thomas Cochrane.

It was notorious for the bribes demanded by its electors, and was therefore a very expensive seat for a candidate to seek election in.

The Yonge family of Colyton, patrons of the borough, were almost ruined by representing Honiton on several occasions.

[1][2] Sir William Pole, 4th Baronet (1678–1741) who had twice represented Honiton at great personal financial expense, made an "earnest request and recommendation" in his will that his son would "never stand as a candidate or if chosen will never be prevailed upon to represent or serve in Parliament for the borough of Honiton".

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place from 1939 and by the end of this year, the following candidates had been selected;