Hyde's reselection failed to be ratified by 171 votes to 152. He was absent for the vote, being on an international tour. "The Belfast Telegraph" reported, "Mr Hyde's rejection is a result of criticism amongst constituents over his attitude over certain problems particularly the Wolfenden report, capital punishment and the return of the Lane pictures to Ireland; further there was a feeling he did not visit the division sufficiently." One view expressed was that as the vote was so close he might have carried the day, had he been present.