The Bournemouth East by election was a by election for the Parliament of the United Kingdom held on Thursday, 24 November 1977 after the resignation of John Cordle following his criticism by a Select committee for business links to corrupt architect John Poulson.

Cordle had been elected at the October 1974 general election for the Conservative Party with a majority of 10,661 votes over the Liberal Party.

David Atkinson served in the House of Commons until he stood down at the 2005 general election. He was succeeded by retired Army Major Tobias Ellwood, also from the Conservative Party.