The by-election was necessary due to the elevation of the incumbent Conservative MP, John Campbell to the peerage following the death of his father.
[1] Within days of the vacancy arising as a result of Cawdor's death and the elevation of his son and heir to the House of Lords, George Lort Phillips of Lawrenny had issued an address declaring himself as the Conservative candidate, with the support of his predecessor.
An editorial on 16 November, described Lort Phillips as a man who would not adopt "a blind adherence to ant party" (words often used in the mid-Victorian era to by Conservative candidates) and praised his support of the local militia and agricultural improvement societes.
In contrast to its strong support for Lort Phillips, the Herald referred to Owen's long absence from the county, his age (although he was only in his mid 50s), his abandonment of his previous Conservative views, the attitude of his father and his record years before as member for the Pembroke Boroughs.
[2] Shortly after the vacancy arose, both candidates had issued their addresses, suggesting that they had been preparing for a contest for some time.