Jump to content

Electoral history of R. B. Bennett

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Mr Serjeant Buzfuz (talk | contribs) at 14:29, 8 April 2020 (Add Canadian English and date tags). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

For the biography of R. B. Bennett, see R. B. Bennett.
Prime Minister Richard Bedford Bennett.

This article is the electoral history of R. B. Bennett, the eleventh Prime Minister of Canada.

A Conservative, he served one term as prime minister (1930 to 1935). He won one general election (1930), defeating Prime Minister Mackenzie King. He in turn was defeated by King in the 1935 election.

Bennett stood for election to the House of Commons of Canada eight times, winning six times (1911, 1925, 1926, 1930 (twice), and 1935) and losing twice (1900 and 1921).

Bennett was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 1927, at the first leadership convention held by the Conservatives.

Before entering federal politics, he was politically active in the North-West Territories. He was elected three times to the territorial Legislative Assembly, in two general elections and one by-election. Upon the formation of the Province of Alberta, he was the first leader of the provincial Conservative Party, unsuccessfully contesting the general election of 1905 and serving as Leader of the Opposition after the election of 1909.

After retiring from Canadian politics, Bennett moved to England, where he was appointed to the House of Lords in the British Parliament.

Summary

Canada during Bennett's time in office

Bennett ranks eleventh out of twenty-three prime ministers for time in office, serving one term of five years and 77 days.[1]

He was the first of three prime ministers from Alberta, the others being Joe Clark and Stephen Harper.

Bennett served in the two governments of Arthur Meighen. When Meighen resigned after losing the 1926 general election to Mackenzie King, Bennett won the first leadership convention ever held by the Conservative Party, in 1927. He became the Leader of the Opposition. In the 1930 election, called at the beginning of the Great Depression, Bennett led the Conservatives to victory, ousting King and the Liberals. However, five years later, in the 1935 election, King won a majority and returned to power. Bennett resigned the leadership of the Conservative Party in 1938 and retired from politics.[2]

Bennett stood for election to the Canadian House of Commons eight times. He was elected six times in the riding of Calgary West, Alberta (1911, 1925, 1926, 1930 (twice), and 1935) and defeated twice (1900 and 1921). He did not stand for election in the general election of 1917. He served in the Commons for a total of 19 years, 5 months, and 9 days.[2]

Prior to entering federal politics, Bennett was involved in the politics of the North-West Territories and then the new province of Alberta. Upon the creation of Alberta, Bennett led the Alberta Conservative Party in the general election of 1905 but was roundly defeated by Alexander Rutherford and the Alberta Liberal Party. Bennett also lost the election for his own seat and thus not a member of the Legislative Assembly. Although he was not the leader of the party in 1909, he again stood for election in the 1909 provincial election and this time was elected. The Liberals again won a majority. Bennett was chosen by the Conservative caucus to become Leader of the Opposition.[3]

Following his retirement from politics in 1938, Bennett moved to England. in 1941 he was granted a peerage, as "Viscount Bennett of Mickleham in the County of Surrey and of Calgary and Hopewell in the Dominion of Canada",[4] which entitled him to sit in the House of Lords.

Federal general elections, 1930 and 1935

Bennett led the Conservative Party in two general elections, winning once (1930) and losing once (1935).

Canadian federal election, 1930

For a more detailed table of election results, see Canadian federal election, 1930.
For information about the 17th Parliament, 1930 to 1935, see 17th Canadian Parliament.
For information about Bennett and political events during the 17th Parliament, see R. B. Bennett § Prime minister (1930–1935).

Bennett won a solid majority government after the 1930 election, defeating Mackenzie King and the Liberals. King remained as leader of the Liberal Party and became Leader of the Opposition.

Canadian Federal Election, 1930 - Parties, Leaders, Seats Won and Popular Vote
Party Leaders Seats Won Popular Vote
  Liberal-Conservative R. B. Bennett1 135 47.8%
Liberal W. L. Mackenzie King2 89 44.0%
United Farmers of Alberta – 9 1.5%
Progressive – 3 1.8%
Liberal–Progressive – 3 1.2%
  Labour J. S. Woodsworth 2 0.7%
  Independents – 2 0.6%
  Progressive-Conservative – 1 0.4%
  Independent Labour – 1 0.4%
Total 245 98.4%3
Sources: Library of Parliament – General Election Results – History of Federal Ridings since 1867

1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after election.
2 Prime Minister when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election.
3 Rounding error.

Canadian federal election, 1935

For a more detailed table of election results, see Canadian federal election, 1935.
For information about the 18th Parliament, 1935 to 1940, see 18th Canadian Parliament.
For information about Bennett and political events after the 1935 election, see R. B. Bennett § Retirement and death.

In the 1935 election, King and the Liberals decisively defeated Bennett and the Conservatives. Bennett stayed on as leader of the Conservative Party until his successor, Robert Manion, was elected in 1938.

Template:Canadian politics/party colours/CCF/row
Canadian Federal Election, 1935 - Parties, Leaders, Seats Won and Popular Vote
Party Leaders Seats Won Popular Vote
Liberal W. L. Mackenzie King1 173 44.7%
  Liberal-Conservative R. B. Bennett2 39 29.8%
Social Credit J. H. Blackmore 17 4.1%
Co-operative Commonwealth Federation J. S. Woodsworth 7 9.3%
Liberal–Progressive – 4 0.7%
Reconstruction H. H. Stevens 1 8.7%
  Independent Liberal – 1 1.2%
  Independent – 1 0.4%
  United Farmers of Ontario-Labour – 1 0.4%
  Independent Conservative – 1 0.0%3
Total 245 99.3%4
Sources: Library of Parliament – General Election Results – History of Federal Ridings since 1867

1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after election.
2 Prime Minister when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election.
3 Less than 0.05% of national vote.
4 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members.

Federal constituency elections, 1900, 1911, 1921 to 1935

Bennett stood for election to the House of Commons eight times, once in the North-West Territories and subsequently in the province of Alberta. He won six times and lost twice.

1900 Federal Election: Alberta (Provisional District)

Federal Election, 1900: Alberta (Provisional District), North-West Territories
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
Liberal Yes X Frank Oliver 5,203 56.4%
  Conservative R. B. Bennett 4,029 43.6%
Total 9,232 100.0%
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Alberta (Provisional District)

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

1911 Federal Election: Calgary

Federal Election, 1911: Calgary, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes R. B. Bennett 7,671 58.1%
Liberal Isaac Stephen Gerow Van Wart 4,805 36.4%
  Unknown Arthur Masters 716 5.4%
Total 13,192 99.9%1
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary

Yes Elected.
1 Rounding error.

1921 Federal Election: Calgary West

Federal Election, 1921: Calgary West, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
Labour Yes Joseph Tweed Shaw 7,369 45.8%
  Conservative R. B. Bennett 7,353 45.7%
Liberal Edward Faustinus Ryan 1,351 8.4%
Total 16,073 99.9%1
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
1 Rounding error.

1925 Federal Election: Calgary West

Federal Election, 1925: Calgary West, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes R. B. Bennett 10,256 62.9%
Labour X Joseph Tweed Shaw 6,040 37.1%
Total 16,296 100.0%
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

1926 Federal Election: Calgary West

Federal Election, 1926: Calgary West, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett 8,951 57.9%
Liberal Harry William Lunney 6,502 42.1%
Total 15,453 100.0%
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

1930 Federal Election: Calgary West

Federal Election, 1930: Calgary West, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett 13,883 70.2%
Liberal Colin Campbell McLaurin 5,887 29.8%
Total 19,770 100.0%
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

1930 Federal Ministerial By-Election: Calgary West

Federal Ministerial By-election, August 25, 1930: Calgary West, Alberta
On the Hon. R.B. Bennett accepting an office of emolument under the Crown,
July 7, 1930.
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett Acclaimed. –
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

At this time, newly appointed Cabinet ministers had to stand for re-election, but it was customary for the other political party not to oppose the election.

1935 Federal Election: Calgary West

Template:Canadian politics/party colours/CCF/row
Federal Election, 1935: Calgary West, Alberta
Party Candidate Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett 9,172 50.4%
Social Credit Robert Lincoln Reid 5,817 31.9%
Liberal Peter Laurence Hyde 2,130 11.7%
Co-operative Commonwealth Federation Henry Magee Horricks 686 3.8%
Reconstruction Charles Thomas Galbraith 411 2.3%
Total 18,216 100.1%1
Source: Library of Parliament – History of Federal Ridings since 1867: Calgary West

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.
1 Rounding error.

North-West Territories constituency elections, 1898 to 1902

R. B. Bennett in 1901.

Bennett was elected three times to the Legislative Assembly of the North-West Territories, in the general elections of 1898 and 1902, as well as a by-election in 1901.[2]

1898 North-West Territories Election: West Calgary

North-West Territories general election, 1898 - West Calgary
Party Candidates Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes R. B. Bennett 291 40.9%
  Unknown W. W. Stuart 205 28.8%
  Unknown James Muir 169 23.7%
  Unknown Thomas Riley 47 6.6%
Total 712 100.0%
Source: Saskatchewan Archives – Saskatchewan Executive and Legislative Directory (SELD) – North-West Territories: Council and Legislative Assembly, 1876-1905.

Yes Elected.

1901 North-West Territories By-election: West Calgary

North-West Territories By-election, March 22, 1901 - West Calgary
Party Candidates Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett 562 66.2%
Liberal Charles A. Stuart 287 33.8%
Total 849 100.0%
Source: Saskatchewan Archives – Saskatchewan Executive and Legislative Directory (SELD) – North-West Territories: Council and Legislative Assembly, 1876-1905.

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

Bennett resigned his seat in the territorial assembly to stand in the 1900 federal election, unsuccessfully. He then contested his former territorial seat in the by-election.

1902 North-West Territories Election: West Calgary

North-West Territories general election, 1902 - West Calgary
Party Candidates Popular Vote %
  Conservative Yes X R. B. Bennett 457 73.6%
  Unknown Thomas Riley 164 26.4%
Total 621 100.0%
Source: Saskatchewan Archives – Saskatchewan Executive and Legislative Directory (SELD) – North-West Territories: Council and Legislative Assembly, 1876-1905.

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.

Alberta general election, 1905

For a more detailed table of election results, see Alberta general election, 1905.
For information about the 1st Alberta Legislature, 1905 to 1909, see 1st Alberta Legislature.
For information about Bennett and political events after the 1905 Alberta election, see R. B. Bennett § Early_political_career.

The 1905 general election was the first election after Alberta was established as a province. Bennett led the Alberta Conservative Party in the general election but was roundly defeated by Alexander Rutherford and the Alberta Liberal Party. Bennett was not elected to his own seat, and the Conservatives only elected two members to the Legislative Assembly.

Alberta General Election, 1905 - Parties, Leaders, Seats Won and Popular Vote
Party Leaders Seats Won Popular Vote
Liberal Alexander Rutherford1 22 55.9%
  Conservative R. B. Bennett2 2 37.1%
  Independent Liberal – 1 6.9%
Total 25 99.9%3
Source: A Report on Alberta Elections 1905-1982 (Edmonton: Provincial Archives of Alberta, 1983)

1 Premier when election was called; Premier after election.
2 Did not win his own seat, so did not become Leader of the Opposition after the election.
3 Rounding error.

Alberta constituency elections, 1905 and 1909

Bennett stood for election in two general elections in Alberta, in 1905 and 1909. He did not win his own seat in 1905 and did not become Leader of the Opposition. He stood again in the 1909 election and won his seat. He again became leader of the party and Leader of the Opposition. He resigned in 1910 to enter federal politics.

1905 Alberta Election: Calgary

1905 Alberta general election - Calgary
Party Candidates Popular Vote %
Liberal Yes William Henry Cushing 1,030 26.9%
  Conservative R. B. Bennett 993 40.9%
  Independent A. D. Macdonald 407 16.7%
Total 2,430 100.0%
Source: A Report on Alberta Elections 1905-1982 (Edmonton: Provincial Archives of Alberta, 1983)

Yes Elected.

1909 Alberta Election: Calgary

1909 Alberta general election - Calgary
Party Candidates Popular Vote %
Liberal Yes X William Henry Cushing 2,579 26.9%
  Conservative Yes R. B. Bennett 2,423 25.3%
Liberal Dr. Egbert 1,933 20.2%
  Conservative Dr. Blow 1,907 19.9%
Socialist George Howell 747 7.8%
Total 9,589 100.1%1
Source: A Report on Alberta Elections 1905-1982 (Edmonton: Provincial Archives of Alberta, 1983)

Note: the constituency returned two members at this time.

Yes Elected.
X Incumbent.
1 Rounding error.

Municipal politics, New Brunswick

Richard Bennett as a young man.

Bennett began his political career in 1896 at the age of 26, when he was persuaded by a young Max Aitken, the future Lord Beaverbrook, to stand for election as an alderman. He was elected to the city council of Chatham, New Brunswick by a margin of 19 votes out of 691.[3] He also served on the county government of Northumberland County, New Brunswick (1896-1897).[2]

Conservative Party leadership convention, 1927

For more detailed information about the 1927 Conservative leadership convention, see Conservative leadership convention, 1927.

Bennett was elected leader of the Conservative Party on the second ballot at the leadership convention of 1927. He was the first Conservative leader elected by a convention.

Conservative Leadership Convention, October 12, 1927
Voting results by ballot
Candidate First Ballot Second Ballot
Votes cast % Votes cast %
R. B. Bennett 594 38.0% 780 50.2%
Hugh Guthrie 345 22.1% 320 20.6%
Charles Hazlitt Cahan 310 19.8% 266 17.1%
Robert James Manion 170 10.9% 148 9.5%
Robert Rogers 114 7.3% 37 2.4%
Henry Lumley Drayton 31 2.0% 3 0.2%
Total 1,564 100.1%1 1,554 100.0%
Source: CPAC – 1927 Conservative Leadership Convention

1 Rounding error.

Peerage and the House of Lords

After he quit Canadian politics, Bennett retired to England. In 1941, the King appointed him to the peerage, with the dignity of "Viscount Bennett of Mickleham in the County of Surrey and of Calgary and Hopewell in the Dominion of Canada."[4] The peerage entitled him to sit in the House of Lords.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ PARLINFO: Prime Ministers of Canada.
  2. ^ a b c d PARLINFO: The Right Hon. Richard Bedford Bennett, P.C., K.C.
  3. ^ a b c Dictionary of Canadian Biography, "Bennett, Richard Bedford, 1st Viscount Bennett."
  4. ^ a b The London Gazette, 22 July 1941, Issue: 35225, p. 4213.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Electoral_history_of_R._B._Bennett&oldid=949785315"