Jeremy Thorpe: Montgomeryshire's lost MP?

Montgomeryshire's loss? Former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe at Westminster in 1971

Jeremy Thorpe was a colourful figure in 20th century British politics, best-known for his acquittal on a charge of conspiracy to murder Norman Scott.

His was a remarkable life, beautifully recorded in Michael Bloch's gripping biography of the former Liberal party leader.

Bloch records how, as a young man, Thorpe was lined up to succeed Clement Davies (at the time party leader) as MP for Montgomeryshire.

Shortly after his 21st birthday in 1950, while still a student, Thorpe was interviewed by the Liberal Party's candidates committee.

Bloch records: "So impressed were they by his energy and flair, his political gifts and the reputation he had built up, that they thought of recommending him as the future candidate in the Welsh constituency of Montgomeryshire, the nearest thing then existing to a 'safe' liberal seat.

"Though this seemed a distant prospect, as Davies was an energetic 66 and showed no signs of stepping down from the leadership, let alone Parliament, Jeremy went so far as to take some Welsh lessons from Megan Lloyd George [a family friend], impressing his friends with his beautiful pronunciation of the phrase 'cofwyeh eich egriddorion!'" (sic)

Bloch's source may have had a little difficulty with the Welsh - the actual phrase is "Cofiwch eich egwyddorion!" - but Thorpe's talent as a mimic suggests the tale is plausible.

As things transpired, Thorpe, who led the Liberals from 1967 to 1976, sought his political future in North Devon and Emlyn Hooson succeeded Davies. (The book records Hooson's dislike of Thorpe and role in his later downfall.)

Had Thorpe been chosen for Montgomeryshire, Welsh political history might have been slightly different; it would certainly have been more dramatic. And he would not have been the last colourful character to fly the Liberal flag in that part of the world.