[2] The election provides evidence of the way in which the nonconformist middle-classes of Aberdare, closely allied to the Liberal Party were increasingly dominating the public life of what was an important political centre in Wales.
[citation needed][3] At this time, also the working classes were beginning to become organised through the miners' union and, to a lesser extent, the Independent Labour Party.
[4] The election is interesting and relevant because it demonstrates the nature of social interaction between the middle- and working-classes in the industrial south Wales of the 1890s.
It was a time of industrial disputes and conflicts but also of concern about lack of educational opportunities for working-class children and the state of housing.
[7] John William Evans, who had ousted Thomas from the seat at the 1895 election was also nominated but also withdrew before the poll.