Pembroke (UK Parliament constituency)
Pembroke was a county constituency in Wales which returned one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was created for the 1918 general election, replacing the former Pembrokeshire constituency, and abolished for the 1983 general election.
The constituency covered the administrative county of Pembrokeshire. It was predominantly rural, with a significant naval presence around Pembroke Dock.
Boundaries and History
The constituency was formed in 1918 as a result of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which restructured constituencies across the UK. It incorporated much of the pre-existing Pembrokeshire constituency. The boundaries remained largely unchanged throughout its existence, though minor adjustments were made periodically to reflect local government boundary changes.
Political History
Pembroke was generally considered a Conservative seat, though it was occasionally won by the Liberal Party and, once, by Labour. Its political complexion reflected the mix of rural and industrial interests within the constituency. The strength of the Conservative party stemmed from the support of landowners and farmers, while the Liberals and Labour drew support from the more industrial areas and working-class communities.
Members of Parliament
- 1918: Walter Long, Conservative
- 1921: John Mercer, Liberal
- 1922: Walter Long, Conservative
- 1929: Gwilym Lloyd George, Liberal
- 1950: Desmond Donnelly, Labour
- 1951: Desmond Donnelly, Conservative
- 1966: Nicholas Edwards, Conservative
Abolition
The constituency was abolished for the 1983 general election, with its territory being largely divided between the new constituencies of Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen.