Aby-election was held for theBritish House of Commonsconstituency ofHemsworth on 17 May 1934. The seat had become vacant on the death of theLabour Member of ParliamentGabriel Price, who had held the seat since the1931 general election.
The Labour Party considered two candidates: Absalom Flavell, from South Kirkby, andGeorge Griffiths, secretary and organiser of the Hemsworth Divisional Labour Party. While Flavell was supported by some affiliated bodies, he voluntarily withdrew, believing that Griffiths had stronger backing.[1]
TheIndependent Labour Party considered putting forwardIsaac Burns, a local councillor and miner. TheConservative Party indicated that, if it did so, it would probably also put forward a candidate, hoping to take advantage of a split left-wing vote.[2] Ultimately, both parties decided not to stand, and Griffiths was elected unopposed.[3]