1913 Blayney state by-election

A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Blayney on 3 January 1913, following the resignation of George Beeby (Labour). Beeby was Minister for Labour and Industry and Secretary for Lands in the McGowen ministry however he resigned from the ministry, parliament and party in protest at the power of the extra-parliamentary Labor Party executive.

Dates

Date	Event
9 December 1912	George Beeby resigned.
10 December 1912	Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
18 December 1912	Day of nomination
3 January 1913	Polling day
23 January	Second ballot
28 January 1913	Return of writ

Result

1913 Blayney by-election
Friday 3 January 

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal Reform	John Withington	1,800	44.2	−0.8
	Independent	George Beeby	1,156	28.4
	Labour	Valentine Johnston	1,120	27.5	−28.5
Total formal votes			4,077	100.0	+1.2
Informal votes			0	0.0	−1.2
Turnout			4,077	56.6	−14.9

A second ballot was necessary because no candidate had won an absolute majority.

1913 Blayney by-election - Second Round
Thursday 23 January 

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Independent	George Beeby	2,244	51.6
	Liberal Reform	John Withington	2,108	48.4	+3.4
Total formal votes			4,356	99.0	+0.2
Informal votes			43	1.0	−0.2
Turnout			4,399	61.0	−10.5
	Member changed to Independent from Labour		Swing	N/A

See also

• Electoral results for the district of Blayney
• List of New South Wales state by-elections