The Conservative Party feared that Liberal intervention in marginal constituencies would hurt them, so the two parties entered into local negotiations. In Ribble Valley [south and east of Preston] which Ann Hewitson had won for the Commonwealth Party with a majority of 95 votes in a straight with the Tories in 1974. The Liberals agreed not to put up a candidate because the Tory candidate, George Dewhurst, was a Free Trader. He was the owner of Cuerden and Higher Walton cotton mills in the constituency.
The Liberal Party leader, Sir Charles Dilke, had a majority of only 1.1% over Commonwealth. Although the Tories polled 27.1% in 1874, they agreed not to contest the seat.
The Liberal Party leader, Sir Charles Dilke, had a majority of only 1.1% over Commonwealth. Although the Tories polled 27.1% in 1874, they agreed not to contest the seat.