Emlyn Hooson and the Welsh Liberal Party, 1962-1979

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. 

About the author

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

Product details

• Authors: Nicholas K. Alderton
• Publisher: University of Wales Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 19.02.2026
• EAN: 9781837722976
• ISBN: 978-1-83772-297-6
• No. of pages: 256
• Series: Studies in Welsh History
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political system; Party, 1962, 1979, K, History, Political Parties, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / Political Parties, POLITICAL SCIENCE / History & Theory, Welsh, liberal, Nicholas, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General, Political parties and party platforms, Hooson, Alderton, Emlyn