History East Carmarthenshire (UK Parliament constituency)

1 history

1.1 1885-90
1.2 1890-1900
1.3 1900-1912

history
1885-90

both sitting members former carmarthenshire constituency chose contest west carmarthesnhire division, created opportunity new liberal candidate in new eastern division. anticipated produce strong liberal vote, in emerging industrial communities emerged result of development off anthracite coal , tinplate industries. increase in electorate in these communities striking. example, number of voters in part of parish of llanelli outside borough constituency rose 615 1,500, similarly, electorate in pembrey increased 377 1,000, in hendy 190 620, in brynamman 175 450, , in cwmamman 164 550.

a liberal association established in june @ meeting in ammanford addressed david pugh, lewis morris , john lloyd morgan. pugh had served mp carmarthenshire 1857 until defeat in 1868, while morris known literary figure. morgan least known of 3 speakers, son of william morgan, former principal of presbyterian college @ carmarthen, had strong local connections.

pugh shortly later selected candidate. had been considered on more conservative wing of liberal party had become increasingly radical in pronouncements in recent years. significant increase in electorate in industrial portions of constituency considered key element in deciding contest. electorate of cwmamman, example, had increased 164 550 , of neighbouring brynamman 175 450. however, characters of local liberal association reflected in choice of sir arthur stepney, reason of influence , wealth prominent figure in ranks, first president. pugh re-elected in 1886 in last years member there frequent criticisms @ annual meetings of liberal association of pugh s regular absences commons.

pugh announced retirement in june 1890 , died few weeks later. after lively series of meetings liberal association chose swansea-based lawyer, abel thomas candidate, in preference more radical llanelli businessman, gwilym evans. thomas returned unopposed after conservatives chose not contest by-election.

1890-1900

upon death in 1890 succeeded abel thomas. within 2 years, there criticisms of new member centred around alleged criticisms of nonconformist ministers , representing licensed victualers asa barrister. thomas defended record , vote of confidence passed @ annual meeting of liberal association @ ammanford in june 1892. @ general election weeks later, thomas unexpectedly opposed liberal unionist candidate, swansea businessman captain thomas davies. argued davies gain support calvinistic methodists, opposed thomas s links liquor trade. however, thomas won large majority.

at 1895 general election, thomas opposed e.e. richardson of glanbrydan park. richardson polled better davies 3 years earlier thomas still won comfortable victory. faced same opponent @ 1900 general election, once again similar result.

1900-1912

criticisms of thomas persisted, served twenty 2 years until death in 1912. time, first signals of emergence of labour party seen in constituency, labour candidate made little impact @ 1910 general election.