After the outbreak of the Second World War Britain formed a National Government which contained members from both parties. This meant that when Germany was defeated Britain had not had an election in almost 10 years (there had not been a regular election for several years just before the outbreak of the war). Even though Britain was still at war with Japan the defeat of Germany brought about the decision that elections should be held. The election was held in Britain but the results were withheld for three weeks while the ballots of soldiers abroad were returned. This happened to occur while the Big 3 leaders Churchill, Truman and Stalin were to meet in Potsdam. Churchill brought along the opposition party leader so that he knew exactly what was happening in case he had won the election.

(Book – The Second World War – Winston S. Churchill)