1901 Glamorgan County Council election explained

The 1901 Glamorgan County Council election was the fifth contest for seats on this authority in south Wales. It was preceded by the 1898 election and followed by the 1904 election. Glamorgan was by far the largest county in Wales in terms of population. Glamorgan County Council had been established by the Local Government Act 1888, the first elections being held in early 1889.

Overview of the result

As in most parts of Wales, the Liberal Party was once again triumphant and won a majority of the seats. In 1901 the majority of the seats were uncontested, in contrast to the position at previous elections.[1]

Results are drawn from a number of sources. They include a number of newspapers.

Boundary changes

There were no boundary changes at this election.

Retiring aldermen

Eight of the eleven retiring aldermen were Liberals.

Results

Aberdare Town

David Price Davies, a member of the Council since 1889 and an alderman from 1892 until 1898 was defeated.

Briton Ferry

Jenkin Hill recaptured the seat he lost three years previously.

Cwmavon

Two Liberals, a sitting alderman and sitting councillor, opposed each other.

Cyfarthfa

Thomas Thomas recaptured the seat he lost three years previously.

Dowlais

[2]

Ferndale

Three candidates were nominated to contest the vacancy left by the former member, Rev Silas Charles, who had moved to Cardiff.[3]

Gadlys

Charles Kenshole, elected unopposed in 1898 was defeated.

Llwydcoed

Rees Llewellyn, prominent industrialist and member of Aberdare Urban District Council won the seat.[4]

Maesteg

The same two candidates had faced each other in 1895. On that occasion, Barrow had won and was elected as alderman for a three-year period. Jenkin Jones was then returned at a by-election.

Margam

The previous councillor, Edward Knox, was said to have left the district. D.R. David was the owner of the Taibach Tinplate Works and a prominent figure in the public life of the district.[5]

Neath (South)

At the previous election, Trick had stood as a Conservative.

Pentre

Morris appears to have defected to the Unionists, leading to his defeat.

Pontlottyn

Although a Liberal gain, the shock was the defeat of Alderman Aaron Davies.

Sketty

John Davies had been defeated in the two previous elections but was now returned unopposed.

Treforest

James Roberts had won the seat at a by-election following the death of the previous member, David Leyshon

Ystrad

Election of aldermen

In addition to the 66 councillors the council consisted of 22 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the 1901 election, there were eleven Aldermanic vacancies.

The following aldermen were appointed by the newly elected council.[6] A notable feature was the non-election of Sir John Llewelyn, an alderman since 1889. As a result, there were no Conservative aldermen on Glamorgan County Council, the first time that this had occurred.

elected for six years

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. News: Glamorgan County Council. Nominations and Unopposed Returns.. 1 April 2014. Cambrian. 8 March 1901.
  2. News: County Council elections . 4 June 2019 . Evening Express . 4 March 1901.
  3. News: County Council Contests . 5 October 2020 . Evening Express . 1 March 1901 . 2.
  4. News: Etholiad Cynghor Sirol Morgannwg. Aberdar .. 2 May 2014. Tarian y Gweithiwr. 2 May 1901.
  5. News: Death of Colonel D.R. David. 8 June 2014. Glamorgan Gazette. 4 January 1907.
  6. News: Glamorgan County Council. Annual Meeting at Pontypridd.. 1 May 2014. Weekly Mail. 16 March 1901.