Horncastle (UK Parliament constituency)

MPs were elected by the first past the post system of voting.

The constituency was created by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, and first used for the 1885 general election.

1950–1983: The Urban Districts of Alford, Horncastle, Mablethorpe and Sutton, Skegness, and Woodhall Spa, and the Rural Districts of Horncastle and Spilsby.

Stanhope was appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies, requiring a by-election.

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;