The Member of Parliament for Ipswich in Suffolk, Jamie Cann, of the Labour Party died on 15 October 2001.
The by-election was held on 22 November that year, and was the first of six by-elections which took place during the 53rd Parliament (2001–05).
With Labour still basking in the glow of their landslide general election victory just five months earlier, no opposition party was able to mount an effective challenge. The Liberal Democrats improved their position somewhat but remained in third place, and the Labour candidate Chris Mole was returned with a majority of over 4,000 votes.
The declaration broke with tradition by using live computer images, club music and lasers after the result was announced.[1][2][3]
The poll saw election officials break new ground for a parliamentary election count by using live computer images, club music and lasers to make the evening more lively.
In total, nine candidates will contest the seat. For the first time at a parliamentary election, count election officials will use live computer images, club music and lasers to enliven the evening.