BY-ELECTION

battles aren’t as gentlemanly as they used to be, according to the widow of Mark Bonham Carter, who won Torrington in Devon for the Liberals 60 years ago this month. ‘ Both of Mark’s opponents were extremely agreeable,’ says Leslie Bonham Carter, aunt to actress Helena Bonham Carter .‘ The Conservative candidate and his wife even sent me a birthday card during the campaign.’ She adds wryly: ‘I wonder if a by-election candidate would find the time to send a birthday greeting to an opponent now?’