Carmarthen by-election, 1966

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The Carmarthen by-election, was held in Carmarthen, Wales on 14 July 1966. The contest was significant in that it resulted in the election of Gwynfor Evans, the first ever Plaid Cymru Member of Parliament. Plaid Cymru's victory in the Carmarthen constituency, a seminal moment for Welsh nationalism, followed, and formed part of, a wider process toward Welsh devolution including the establishment of the Welsh Office in 1964.

The election was caused by the death of Labour Party Member of Parliament Megan Lloyd George.

Gwynfor Evans' surprise win is credited with laying the foundations for Winnie Ewing's victory for the Scottish National Party at the Hamilton by-election, 1967, an event of equal significance for Scottish nationalism.

Carmarthen by-election, 1966
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Plaid Cymru Gwynfor Evans 16,179 38.98
Labour Gwilym Davies 13,743 33.11
Liberal Hywel Davies 8,650 20.84
Conservative Simon Day 2,934 7.09
Majority 2,436 5.87
Turnout
Plaid Cymru gain from Labour Swing

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