Glasgow Hillhead by-election, 1982 facts for kids
A Glasgow Hillhead by-election took place on 25 March 1982. This special election happened because the Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow Hillhead, Tam Galbraith, sadly passed away on 2 January 1982. He was a member of the Conservative Party.
Contents
What is a By-election?
A by-election is a special election held to choose a new Member of Parliament (MP) for a specific area. This happens when the previous MP leaves their job. They might leave because they have resigned, retired, or passed away. By-elections are different from general elections. General elections choose all MPs across the country at the same time.
What is a Member of Parliament?
A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a person elected by citizens to represent them. They work in the UK Parliament in London. Their main job is to speak for the people in their local area, called a constituency. They help make new laws and check on the government's work.
Understanding Political Parties
Political parties are groups of people who share similar ideas about how a country should be run. They work together to get their members elected into government. When people vote, they often choose a candidate from a political party.
The Conservative Party
The Conservative Party is one of the oldest and largest political parties in the United Kingdom. It is often called the "Tories." Their ideas usually focus on individual freedom and a strong economy. They believe in lower taxes and less government control.
The Glasgow Hillhead By-election in 1982
The Glasgow Hillhead by-election was an important event in Scottish politics. It took place in a part of Glasgow, Scotland. This election was needed to fill the seat in Parliament for the Glasgow Hillhead area.
Why This Election Happened
The by-election happened because the sitting MP, Tam Galbraith, died. He had been the MP for Glasgow Hillhead for many years. His death meant that the people of Glasgow Hillhead needed to choose a new representative.
Key Details of the Election
The by-election was held on 25 March 1982. Many different political parties put forward candidates. People in Glasgow Hillhead went to polling stations to cast their votes. The election results decided who would become the new MP for the area.