15 March 1962

Local Liberal councillor Eric Lubbock wins the Orpington by-election

The election was caused by the resignation of the sitting Conservative MP Donald Sumner to become a county court judge. The Tories selected Peter Goldman, one of their high-flyers, but he proved to be an unfortunate candidate who didn’t endear himself to voters by refusing to live in the constituency. His campaign was not helped by the Conservative Government announcing a pay freeze. The press scented a swing to the Liberals, exploited by Lubbock and his team and the Liberals came from third place to win with a majority of 7,855 on a swing of 26.3%. Lubbock held Orpington until he was defeated at the 1970 general election. In 1971 he succeeded his cousin as Lord Avebury and sat in the House of Lords until his death in February 2016.