 Local newspapers reported a Liberal victory, but a recount found a bundle of misplaced ballot papers, and shortly after 10pm the result was declared by the Lord Mayor John Houlding as a 54-vote majority for McArthur.McArthur was re-elected in 1900, but was defeated at the next election, in 1906.He was returned as the MP for Liverpool Kirkdale at a by-election in 1907, and held the seat until his death in 1910.