1982 Coatbridge and Airdrie by-election

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The 1982 Coatbridge and Airdrie by-election was held on 24 June 1982 after Labour MP James Dempsey died on 12 May 1982. Dempsey had represented the area since 1959.

Four candidates stood:
- Labour: Tom Clarke – won with 19,208 votes (55.1%)
- Conservative: Hugo de Burgh – 9,118 votes (26.2%)
- SNP: Ron Wyllie – 3,652 votes (10.5%)
- Liberal: Sandy Henderson – 2,873 votes (8.2%)

Turnout was 56.3%.

Tom Clarke became the new MP for Coatbridge and Airdrie (and later served as MP for other areas). Dempsey’s death ended a long Labour hold on the seat.

The result was seen as a setback for the SNP and the Liberal SDP–Liberal Alliance, with both the SNP and Liberal failing to win deposits. Glasgow Herald coverage described the outcome as a disappointing blow for the Alliance in Scotland and noted tensions within the SNP.