polling day was inevitably going to come around the time of the budget, which had been set for 20 march, and initially it was expected that it would be timed to take place before the budget. however margaret thatcher decided, in conjunction with conservative party chairman kenneth baker and chief whip tim renton to "take it on the chin" and hold the byelection two days after the budget. the byelection was formally called by renton moving the writ in the house of commons on 28 february.