1983 Bermondsey by-election

Simon Hughes won this south London seat for the Liberals on February 24, 1983, on a swing of 44.2%, described as the largest by-election swing in British political history. Labour had held Bermondsey since 1946 and took 63.6% there in 1979; this time it fell to 26.1%. The campaign is remembered as much for how it was fought. Labour's candidate, Peter Tatchell, faced homophobic graffiti, abuse and attacks, and the contest has been called the dirtiest in modern British politics. Hughes went on to represent Bermondsey and its successor seats for 32 years.