Negotiations for Singapore’s independence, led by then Chief Minister, David Marshall, were held in London in 1956. However, the discussions broke down over issues of internal security. Marshall then decided to step down from his post. He subsequently challenged Lee Kuan Yew of the People’s Action Party (PAP) to resign and re-contest their respective constituencies. A Legislative Assembly By-Election was held on 29 June 1957. Lee successfully retained his seat in Tanjong Pagar. Marshall did not stand for election in his Cairnhill ward and chose to support the independent candidate rather than the candidate from his Labour Front party. The Marshall-backed candidate was defeated at the polls. Marshall resigned from the Labour Front and founded the Worker’s Party in November 1957.
