The circumstances of Cornewall’s return for Leominster have not been ascertained, but it is probable that he had there the support of Lord Powis. Robinson wrote under Ludlow in his survey for the general election of 1780:
There is a contest here ... a Mr. Beale is set up by the patriots and discontents of the town, though it is thought he can’t succeed.
That the threat was taken seriously can be seen from the very extensive correspondence of the candidates and their agent trying to secure votes,
