Sudbury (UK Parliament constituency)

It was probably enfranchised through lobbying from Ambrose Cave the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who had interests in the area and could influence the choice of MPs.

[1] Sudbury had in the 18th century been seen as a particularly expensive seat[2] but not under the influence of any patron[3] and in the 1761 general election Horace Walpole the cousin of the outgoing MP, Thomas Walpole, had claimed that Sudbury had openly advertised itself for sale[4] with the new MP, John Henniker having to spend £5,500 from the Duke of Newcastle's funds.

On abolition, western and northern parts, including Haverhill, transferred to Bury St Edmunds.

After an election petition was lodged, a Royal Commission found proof of extensive bribery and the writ was suspended in 1844.

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place and by July 1914, the following candidates had been selected; * compared to combined 1922 Liberal vote.