Electioneering Southampton

A fascinating film from 1931 showing the National Government candidate, William Craven Craven-Ellis, on the hustings in Southampton.

We're on the campaign trail in Southampton during the 1931 General Election. Mr Craven-Ellis is standing for election as the National Government candidate. We see him on the hustings, addressing open-air meetings and chatting with smiling supporters. Many political posters are seen, endorsing him as candidate as well as the National Government. We also see a variety of lucky mascots; a 'stuffed' black cat, a horseshoe and the candidate's dog.

William Craven-Ellis remained Southampton's MP until the General Election of 1945 when he was ousted by the former Labour incumbent, Ralph Morley.