1876 Carmarthen Boroughs by-election

UK Parliamentary by-election in Wales November 2019 The 1876 Carmarthen Boroughs by-election was fought on 14 August 1876. The by-election was called following the resignation of the incumbent Conservative MP, Charles William Nevill. It was won by the Liberal candidate Arthur Cowell-Stepney,May 2021 who was returned unopposed.British Parliamentary Election Results 1832-1885 (The Macmillan Press 1977), compiled and edited by F.W.S. Craig, page 503 Background A Liberal seat for decades, Carmarthen Boroughs fell to the Conservatives in 1874 when the octogenarian sitting member, Sir John Stepney, stood down. He was succeeded as Liberal candidate by his son, Arthur, who was not regarded as holding radical views. To general surprise he declared his support for policies such as the disestablishment of the Anglican church in Wales.The Election (editorial) Welshman 30 January 1874 As a result, Charles Nevill, who resisted calls to oppose the elder Stepney in 1868, entered the fray, and was championed as 'one of the largest employers of labour' in the locality.Editorial Carmarthen Journal 30 January 1874 During his short parliamentary career, Nevill did not always support Conservative policy. He voted in favour of the extension of the county franchise, and also supported Osborne Morgan's Burials' Bill. On 19 July 1876, Nevill indicated his intention to resign as an MP, in a letter to the Vicar of Carmarthen, the Rev Latimer M. Jones.The Representation of the Carmarthen Boroughs. http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4344023/4344028/24 5 March 2017 Western Mail 31 July 1876 5 Nevill cited his business interests as the main reason for his decision. Candidates A number of possible candidates were initially mentioned, both Conservatives and Liberals. On the Conservative side, Mansel Lewis of Stradey and J.S. Tregoning of Iscoed, Ferryside were mentioned Among the Liberals, potential candidates included Arthur Stepney, W.R.H. Powell of Maesgwynne, who had unsuccessfully contested Carmarthenshire in 1874, B.T. Williams, the Recorder of Carmarthen and Evan Matthew Richards, former member for Cardiganshire. Williams was initially regarded as the most likely candidate. However, Liberals supporters of Arthur Stepney swiftly took action to select a candidate before their political opponents had any opportunity to fully consider their options. On the morning of 31 July, Arthur Stepney travelled to Carmarthen by train, where he was met by a delegation of prominent liberals who held a formal meeting chaired by the Mayor, David Edwards.The Representation of the Carmarthen Boroughs. http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4344032/4344037/25 7 March 2017 Western Mail 1 August 1876 5 That same evening a meeting was held in Llanelli, presided over by John Randell, chairman of the Llanelly Local Board of Health, with Stepney being formally adopted.The Representation of the Carmarthen Boroughs. http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4344041/4344046/25 9 March 2017 Western Mail 2 August 1876 5 Stepney's actions not only caught his Conservative opponents unawares but also rival aspirants for the Liberal nomination. B.T. Williams was said to have intended to declare his candidature but withdrew to avoid a division in the ranks, while the claims of Lewis Morris were also ignored. It was soon apparent that the Conservatives would not field a candidate, and it does not appear that any potential candidates were considered.The Representation of the Carmarthen Boroughs. http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4344059/4344064/28 20 March 2017 Western Mail 4 August 1876 5 Outcome Within a few days it became apparent that Arthur Stepney would be returned unopposed.Editorial Carmarthen Journal 4 August 1876 Result 1876 Carmarthen by-electionCraig F. W. S. F. W. S. Craig British Parliamentary Election Results 1832-1885 1977 Macmillan Press London 978-1-349-02349-3 1st hardcover 503 Liberal Party (UK) Arthur Cowell-Stepney Liberal Party (UK) Conservative Party (UK) See also Lists of United Kingdom by-elections References Category:1876 in Wales Category:1870s elections in Wales Category:Carmarthen Category:Elections in Carmarthenshire Category:1876 elections in the United Kingdom Category:Unopposed by-elections to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Welsh constituencies Category:19th century in Carmarthenshire Category:August 1876 in the United Kingdom