what is a by election uk

A by-election in the UK is an election that takes place if a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between one General Election and the next. By-elections are often seen as tests of the popularity of the government of the day, and attract considerable media attention. Voters may vote differently from their normal voting patterns at general elections, and by-elections may reflect specific local issues, and often have lower turnout. Candidates and agents standing at Parliamentary by-elections in the UK have to follow rules set out in law regarding their election spending, and the donations and loans they can accept towards campaigning.