Editing By-election (section)

== Origins ==

The procedure for filling a vacant seat in the [[House of Commons of England]] was developed during the [[English Reformation Parliament|Reformation Parliament]] of the 16th century by [[Thomas Cromwell]]; previously a seat had remained empty upon the death of a member. Cromwell devised a new election that would be called by the king at a time of the king's choosing. This made it a simple matter to ensure the seat rewarded an ally of the crown.<ref>Jennifer Loach. ''Parliament Under the Tudors.'' Clarendon Press. Oxford. 1990. p. 36</ref>

During the eighteen-year [[Cavalier Parliament]] of [[Charles II of England|Charles II]], which lasted from 1661 to 1679, by-elections were the primary means by which new members entered the House of Commons.<ref>''By-Elections in British Politics.'' UCL Press, London. 1997 pg. 1</ref>