1913 Carmarthenshire County Council election explained

Election Name:1913 Carmarthenshire County Council election
Country:Wales
Type:Parliamentary
Ongoing:no
Party Colour:yes
Previous Election:1910 Carmarthenshire County Council election 5
Majority Seats:35
1Blank:Councillors
2Blank:Aldermen
3Blank:Seats +/–
Last Election1:53/68
Seats Before1:53/68
Seats1:51/68
1Data1:37
2Data1:14
3Data1:2
Last Election2:13/68
Seats Before2:13/68
Seats2:15/68
1Data2:12
2Data2:3
3Data2:2
Party3:Liberal Unionist
Last Election3:1/68
Seats Before3:1/68
Seats3:1/68
1Data3:1
2Data3:0
3Data3:0
Last Election4:1/68
Seats Before4:1/68
Seats4:1/68
1Data4:1
2Data4:0
3Data4:o
Council control
Posttitle:Council control after election
After Election:Liberal

The ninth election to the Carmarthenshire County Council was held in March 1913.[1] It was preceded by the 1910 election and followed, due to the First World War and the postponement of the 1916 elections, by the 1919 election.

Overview of the result

The Liberals retained a strong majority although the elections were far less politicized than in previous years. With a few exceptions, members were returned unopposed.[2]

Boundary changes

There were no boundary changes.

Candidates

Only two of those elected at the first election in 1889, and who had served continuously since then, sought re-election. Sir James Drummond, the Lord Lieutenant of Carmarthenshire and D,C. Parry (Llanelli) were both returned unopposed.

Ward results

Whitland

Election of aldermen

In addition to the 51 councillors the council consisted of 17 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. At the statutory meeting there was disagreement over the election of aldermen with the Liberals initially nominating eight of their number for the eight vacancies. However, W.J. Williams of Brynamman withdrew in favour of a Conservative, Dudley Drummond.[3]

Following the elections the following eight aldermen were elected:

Aldermanic vacancies between 1913 and 1919

Both W. Mabon Davies and Professor D.E. Jones died in the months following the election and the appointment of new aldermen in their place took place at the quarterly meeting of the council in late July. Several members objected to aspects of the process, including the perceived lack of aldermen from some parts of the county and the private meetings to decide upon nominations (from which Conservative councillors were said to be excluded). After a prolonged discussion it was decided to postpone the decision on a replacement for Professor Jones.

W. Mabon Davies was replaced by a member who had withdrawn his name at the annual meeting some months previously.[4]

At the October quarterly meeting there was disagreemnet among members for the western division over a replacement for Professor Jones. The successful candidate received 28 votes as opposed to 18 for the Rev. J.H. Rees and 10 for the Rev. Arthur Fuller-Mills of Carmarthen.[5]

By-elections between 1913 and 1919

Ammanford by-election, 1913

A by-election was held in the Ammanford division in June 1913 following the death of Councillor David Morris, a Liberal councillor. Erne Hewlett, general manager of Ammanford Collieries, and an active Conservative, ran on a non-political basis and won the seat, despite Liberal attempts to make the contest a political one.[6]

Quarter Bach by-election, 1913

A by-election was held in the Quarter Bach division on 5 September 1913 following the elevation of W.J. Williams to the aldermanic bench.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: County Council Elections. Results of the Contests.. 9 October 2015. Carmarthen Journal. 14 March 1913. 7.
  2. News: County Council Nominations.. 9 October 2015. Carmarthen Journal. 7 March 1913. 6.
  3. News: Carmarthenshire County Council. Statutory Meeting. . 9 March 2023 . Carmarthen Journal . 21 March 1913 . 6.
  4. News: Carmarthenshire County Council . 15 March 2023 . Carmarthen Journal . 1 August 1913 . 8.
  5. News: Carmarthenshire County Council . 15 March 2023 . Carmarthen Journal . 31 October 1913 . 8.
  6. News: Ammanford's Duty. 15 March 2023. Cambria Daily Leader. 25 June 1913. Camb 25-6-13 by-el. 4.
  7. News: Carmarthenshire County Council by-election. 13 April 2016. Amman Valley Chronicle. 11 September 1913. AVC 11-9-13 QB by-el. 5.