Overview

This study presents an analysis of the Welsh Liberal Party under the leadership of Emlyn Hooson. It begins with an overview of the period prior to Hooson's 1962 by-election win in Montgomery, following the death of Clement Davies, and the first section describes Hooson's leadership of the Liberal Party of Wales, his recognition that the organisation was fundamentally flawed and that it needed to be reorganised. The solution was a root and branch reorganisation and the formation of a new state party, which would be federated to the British Liberal Party but separate in its functions and leadership. The second section details Hooson's steering of the party through chapters on the organisation, policy formation and the electoral record. The book comprises the first in-depth description of the Welsh Liberal Party during a tumultuous time in Welsh politics; recognising how current Welsh political historiography has sidelined the Welsh Liberals in favour of Plaid Cymru and Labour, it re-evaluates the Liberals' position during the period and Hooson's role.

Full Product Details

9781837722976

Table of Contents

Reviews

""This book helps balance the Welsh historical narrative so that readers of Welsh history are aware of the substantial Liberal input, centrally through Emlyn Hooson, which shaped contemporary political society in Wales. Anyone who thinks Welsh Liberalism died in 1945 with Lloyd George will find this book a fascinating read.""-- ""Russell Deacon, visiting professor in history and politics, University of South Wales""

Author Information

Nicholas Alderton has written articles for the Journal of Liberal History, covering topics on Emlyn Hooson, the Welsh Liberals, Plaid Cymru and George Dangerfield.

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