One Party State: The Labour Party in Wales by Martin Shipton COMING 30 JULY

Paperback
30 July 2026
Welsh Acadeic Press

For a century, this absolute power resulted in many acknowledging that their career progression, particularly in the public sector, and any hopes for advancement in electoral politics, depended on their membership of and loyalty to the Labour Party.

In election after election, Labour won the majority of Westminster seats and controlled local government with a vice-like grip which led to Wales being described as a One-Party State. The Labour hegemony continued after devolution in 1999, with Labour-led governments in continuous power and their tight grip on Welsh politics appearing unassailable, until now.

Undoubtedly one of the most important books on Welsh political history, the highly acclaimed journalist and author Martin Shipton, investigates the truth behind Labour’s One-Party State, reveals and considers the evidence of its corruption, nepotism and cronyism, and assesses Labour’s legacy on Welsh society - famously described as The Land of the Pulled-Punch.

Comprehensively researched, including numerous interviews with leading political figures including Labour insiders (both named and anonymous), One-Party State, is essential reading for all with an interest in Welsh history and politics, and the consequences of absolute power.