1889 Pembrokeshire County Council election explained

The first election to Pembrokeshire County Council, was held in January 1889.[1] It was followed by the 1892 election. The county was divided into numerous single member wards with two or more councillors elected to represent Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

Overview of the result

1889 was a landmark year in the history of Welsh Liberalism, a coming of age symbolized by the triumph across Wales of Liberal candidates in the inaugural county council elections. The Liberal triumph in Pembrokeshire was not as complete as in other Welsh counties but was nevertheless significant. In the north of the county a number of landed gentry were defeated including James Bevan Bowen of Llwyngwair, former MP for the county of Pembrokeshire.There were only nine unopposed returns, most of whom were Liberals.

Ward Results

Pembroke Dock (five seats)

None of the candidates were said to have openly run on political lines and no meetings took place during the campaign.

Wiston

Election of Aldermen

In addition to the 51 councillors the council consisted of 16 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the election of the initial sixteen aldermen, half of the aldermanic bench would be elected every three years following the triennial council election. After the initial elections, there were sixteen aldermanic vacancies and the following Alderman were appointed by the newly elected council (with the number of votes cast recorded in each case). A second vote was held to determine which aldermen should retire in three years.[2]

Elected for six years

Elected for three years

By-elections

Five vacancies were caused by the election of aldermen.

Pembroke Dock by-election

The election to replace the Mayor of Pembroke was fought on political lines.[3]

St Ishmaels by-election

The election which followed the elevation of Lord Kensington was not fought on political lines.

Notes and References

  1. News: County Council Elections. 13 February 2014. Pembrokeshire Herald. 18 January 1889.
  2. News: Pembrokeshire County Council. Election of Aldermen.. 4 November 2016. Pembrokeshire Herald. 25 March 1889. 2.
  3. News: The County Councils. 7 November 2016. Pembrokeshire Herald. 15 February 1889. 2.