Distributed for University of Wales Press
Emlyn Hooson and the Welsh Liberal Party, 1962–1979
The untold story of Emlyn Hooson and the fight to reshape Welsh Liberalism.
For decades, the Welsh Liberal Party has been overshadowed in political history, often sidelined in favor of Labour and Plaid Cymru. Emlyn Hooson and the Welsh Liberal Party, 1962–1979 reexamines this crucial period, offering the first in-depth account of Hooson’s leadership and his bold efforts to reform and redefine Welsh Liberalism.
Following his 1962 by-election victory in Montgomery, Hooson recognized the party’s structural weaknesses and spearheaded a sweeping reorganization, transforming it into a distinct Welsh state party federated with the British Liberals. This book traces his tenure, exploring party organization, policy formation, electoral struggles, and the key figures—especially the often-overlooked women—who kept the movement alive.
This study challenges dominant narratives and restores the Welsh Liberals to their rightful place in history. It reassesses Hooson’s legacy beyond recent portrayals, making it essential reading for enthusiasts of Welsh political history—shedding new light on a defining era of Welsh democracy.
For decades, the Welsh Liberal Party has been overshadowed in political history, often sidelined in favor of Labour and Plaid Cymru. Emlyn Hooson and the Welsh Liberal Party, 1962–1979 reexamines this crucial period, offering the first in-depth account of Hooson’s leadership and his bold efforts to reform and redefine Welsh Liberalism.
Following his 1962 by-election victory in Montgomery, Hooson recognized the party’s structural weaknesses and spearheaded a sweeping reorganization, transforming it into a distinct Welsh state party federated with the British Liberals. This book traces his tenure, exploring party organization, policy formation, electoral struggles, and the key figures—especially the often-overlooked women—who kept the movement alive.
This study challenges dominant narratives and restores the Welsh Liberals to their rightful place in history. It reassesses Hooson’s legacy beyond recent portrayals, making it essential reading for enthusiasts of Welsh political history—shedding new light on a defining era of Welsh democracy.
256 pages | 1 halftone | 5.43 x 8.5 | © 2025
History: British and Irish History
Political Science: Political and Social Theory
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND FIGURES
NOTE ON PLACE NAMES AND INFLATION
ABBREVIATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE: THE FALL AND RISE OF THE WELSH LIBERALS, 1918-66
CHAPTER TWO: THE ORGANISATION AND FINANCES OF THE WLP, 1967-1979
CHAPTER THREE: POLICYMAKING IN THE WELSH LIBERAL PARTY
CHAPTER FOUR: THE ELECTORAL LEGACY UNDER EMLYN HOOSON
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS AND FIGURES
NOTE ON PLACE NAMES AND INFLATION
ABBREVIATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE: THE FALL AND RISE OF THE WELSH LIBERALS, 1918-66
CHAPTER TWO: THE ORGANISATION AND FINANCES OF THE WLP, 1967-1979
CHAPTER THREE: POLICYMAKING IN THE WELSH LIBERAL PARTY
CHAPTER FOUR: THE ELECTORAL LEGACY UNDER EMLYN HOOSON
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY