1913–1939 Llanelly Borough Council elections

Welsh local government elections 1894–1913 Llanelly Urban District Council elections 1945–1972 Llanelli Borough Council elections Llanelly Borough Council was created in 1913 when the existing Llanelly Urban District Council was granted full borough status. 1913 Llanelly Borough Council election The first election for the newly incorporated borough of Llanelly was held on 3 November 1913. All the seats were contested with the majority of the members of the former Urban District Council being elected. Apart from the nine candidates nominated by the Labour Association - three in each ward - the election was said to have been fought on non-political and non-sectarian lines, with the majority of the aspirants standing as Independents.Town Council Elections https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002971/19131107/007/0007 1 October 2024 Welshman 7 November 1913 7 Ward One Ward One 1913 Labour Party (UK) W.H. Samuel* 897 Independent (politician) Joseph Roberts 865 Independent (politician) Roland T. Thomas* 827 Independent (politician) Gwilym R. Price* 824 Independent (politician) David Jennings 779 Labour Party (UK) John Simlett* 632 Independent (politician) W.E. Clements 628 Independent (politician) James Hansard 593 Labour Party (UK) William Vivian 560 Independent (politician) W.T. Davies 534 Independent (politician) William Davies 447 Ward Two Ward Two 1913 Independent (politician) D.J. Davies* 1,048 Independent (politician) E. Willis Jones* 1,009 Independent (politician) Thomas Jones* 984 Independent (politician) W.B. Jones* 939 Independent (politician) D.R. Jones 888 Independent (politician) T. Hay Samuel 742 Independent (politician) Dan Williams 687 Independent (politician) J. Thomas 674 Labour Party (UK) G.H. Stacey 664 Independent (politician) D. Davies 540 Labour Party (UK) Sam Jones 530 Independent (politician) J. Lewis Phillips 424 Labour Party (UK) T.H. Evans 366 Ward Three Ward Three 1913 Independent (politician) Herbert D. Rees* 601 Independent (politician) W.P. Rees 538 Labour Party (UK) Nathan Griffiths* 444 Independent (politician) J.W. Thomas 432 Independent (politician) J.L. Jones 347 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes 345 Independent (politician) Owen Jones 342 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan* 332 Independent (politician) W.M. Davies* 325 Independent (politician) S.H. Bevan 295 By-elections At the inaugural statutory meeting of the new council on Monday, 10 November, presided over by the new mayor, Sir Stafford Howard,A Red Letter Day. Llanelli's First Corporation Meets for the First Time. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19131115/003/0003?browse=False 2 October 2024 Llanelly Star 15 November 1913 3 six aldermen were elected (two from each ward) resulting in by-elections for the remaining six seats on the council. D. James Davies, John Simlett and Herbert Rees were elected aldermen for six years, and Joseph Roberts, Bramwell Jones and Nathan Griffiths for three years. The by-elections were held on 25 November, with five of the seats being won by Independent candidates.Council Elections. Results of Contests in South Wales. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19131125/171/0006 2 October 2024 Western Mail 25 November 1913 6 Ward One by-election (two seats) Ward One by-election 1913 Independent (politician) W.E. Clement 800 Independent (politician) W.T. Davies 699 Labour Party (UK) William Vivian 661 Labour Party (UK) P. Williams 276 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two by-elections 1913 Independent (politician) D. Williams 622 Independent (politician) John Thomas 599 Labour Party (UK) G.H. Stacey 564 Independent (politician) D. Davies 541 Independent (politician) J. Lewis Phillips 293 Independent (politician) T. Harris 163 Independent (politician) J. Davies 125 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three by-elections 1913 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan 400 Independent (politician) William Davies 339 Labour Party (UK) Owen Jones 322 Independent (politician) H. Williams 297 Independent (politician) W. Davies 285 1919 Llanelly Borough Council election In the first post-war election, Labour candidates won four of the six seats, three of which were gains from Independent candidates.Election Results Llanelly Mercury 6 November 1919 The Llanelly Mercury expressed the hope that the infusion of new blood would lead to an improvement in the govrnamce of the town.Editorial Llanelly Mercury 6 November 1919 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1919 Labour Party (UK) Evan Roberts 1,068 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards* 979 Independent (politician) Frank J. Rees* 945 Labour Party (UK) David Williams 744 Independent (politician) John Llewellyn 405 Independent (politician) John Marker 409 Independent (politician) Alicia Phillips 321 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1919 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Charles 1,779 Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Capt. J. Evans 1,491 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Davies 1,267 Independent (politician) W.T. Morris 667 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1919 Labour Party (UK) Owen Jones 873 Labour Party (UK) H. Steve Davies 781 Independent (politician) William Davies* 653 Independent (politician) J.W. Thomas* 258 1920 Llanelly Borough Council election Due to the postponement of elections during the war years, this was the first occasion when aldermen stood down and sought re-election. Two retiring aldermen, namely E. Willis Jones and the maverick former Labour councillor, Nathan Griffiths, were both defeated, as was the retiring mayor, Daniel Williams. Labour gained both seats in Ward Two, where two retiring Independents also lost their seats.Election Results Llanelly Mercury 4 November 1920 The Mercury regretted the apparent lack of interest shown by the ratepayers.Editorial Llanelly Mercury 4 November 1920 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1920 Independent (politician) W.E. Clement* 1,179 Independent (politician) R.P. Thomas* 1,072 Independent (politician) Oliver Russell 879 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Evans 689 Independent (politician) Mrs Burn 413 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1920 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies 1,373 Labour Party (UK) James Davies 1,370 Independent (politician) E. Willis Jones** 1,114 Independent (politician) Daniel Williams* 948 Independent (politician) Thomas Davies* 546 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1920 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees 1,401 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan* 946 Labour Party (UK) Harry Bowen 774 Independent (politician) Nathan Griffiths** 390 By-elections At the statutory meeting on 9 November, R.P. Thomas, D.R. Jones and J.L. Jones were elected aldermen.Llanelly. New Mayor on the Town’s Development. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000104/19201110/173/0009?browse=False 24 March 2025 Western Mail 10 November 1920 9 At the ensuing by-elections, all three seats were won by Independents, aided by a split Labour vote in Ward One.Bye-Elections. Llanelly Mercury 2 December 1920 Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1920 Independent (politician) Joseph H. Williams 1,127 Independent Labour Oliver Russell 910 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Evans 659 Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1920 Independent (politician) E. Willis Jones 1,323 Labour Party (UK) Thomas H. Evans 875 Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1920 Independent (politician) William Davies 1,100 Labour Party (UK) Harry Bowen 748 1921 Llanelly Borough Council election Independent candidates won five of the six seats, including William Davies, who regained the seat he lost in 1919.Results Llanelly Mercury 3 November 1921 The Labour Association was criticised for running a slate of candidates and creating costs to the ratepayers.Editorial Llanelly Mercury 27 October 1921 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1921 Independent (politician) David Jennings 1,878 Independent (politician) Frank J. Rees* 1,809 Labour Party (UK) Mrs Elias Davies 581 Independent (politician) T.L. Stewart 401 Independent (politician) Llew Arthur 354 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1921 Independent (politician) E. Willis Jones* 2,061 Independent (politician) T. Hay Samuel* 1,644 Labour Party (UK) Tom Harries 859 Independent (politician) G.W. Dillon 712 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1921 Independent (politician) William Davies 1,268 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 923 Independent (politician) Thomas Morgan 673 Independent (politician) David John 516 1922 Llanelly Borough Council election Only one of the three wards was contested at this election, which was overshadowed by the ongoing General Election.Borough Election Results Llanelly Mercury 9 November 1922 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1922 Labour Party (UK) Evan Roberts* 1,878 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards* 1,809 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1922 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Charles* 2,061 Independent (politician) J. Evans* 1,644 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1922 Labour Party (UK) H. Steve Davies* 1,094 Labour Party (UK) Owen Jones* 1,021 Independent (politician) David Harries 843 1923 Llanelly Borough Council election The Labour Party launched a campaign to improve their position on the authority and this led to a more politicised campoagn than in previous years. Aldermen also stood down but the death of D. James Davies, former owner of the South Wales Press, left one vacancy.Municipal Elections Llanelly Mercury 11 October 1923 However, only two of the six Labour candidates were elected.Municipal Elections Llanelly Mercury 8 November 1923 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1923 Independent (politician) Joseph Roberts** 1,634 Independent (politician) W.E. Clement* 1,362 Labour Party (UK) Tom Hughes 878 Independent (politician) R.J. Edmunds 800 Labour Party (UK) T.D. Phillips 623 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1923 Independent (politician) W.T. Morris 2,021 Labour Party (UK) James Davies* 1,709 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies* 1,637 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1923 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees* 1,803 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan 901 Labour Party (UK) Stanley Davies 825 1924 Llanelly Borough Council election The contest, held at the same time as a General Election campaign, resulted in Labour losing one seat.Municipal Elections Llanelly Mercury 6 November 1924 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1924 Independent (politician) Frank J. Rees* 2,223 Independent (politician) David Jennings* 1,919 Labour Party (UK) R. Phillips 860 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1924 Independent (politician) T. Hay Samuel* 1,909 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies* 1,739 Labour Party (UK) Ben Griffiths 1,275 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1924 Independent (politician) William Davies* 1,247 Independent (politician) Theo Jenkins 973 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 873 Labour Party (UK) J.J. Winter 552 1925 Llanelly Borough Council election All three wards were contested and local press coverage focused on the more radical elements within the Labour campaign with Enoch Collins being described as an avowed Communist.Borough Council Elections Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19251024/003/0003 20 September 2024 24 October 1925 3 Th outcome was a net loss of one Labour seat.Election Results https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000104/19251103/182/0008 20 September 2024 Western Mail 3 November 1925 8 While Labour held both setas in Ward Three the more moderate Tom Charles was ousted in Ward Two. Press attention locally focused on the defeat of Neft and Collins in Ward One while it was claimed that Charles would have held his seat had he stood as an Independent. Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1925 Independent (politician) Daniel Roberts* 2,277 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards* 2,120 Labour Party (UK) R. Neft 603 Labour Party (UK) Enoch Collins 532 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1925 Independent (politician) Jack Evans* 1,987 Independent (politician) W.E. Davies 1,823 Labour Party (UK) Thomas Charles* 1,547 Labour Party (UK) Ben Griffiths 1,185 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1925 Labour Party (UK) H. Steve Davies* 1,209 Labour Party (UK) Owen Jones* 1,146 Independent (politician) Alban Evans 663 1926 Llanelly Borough Council election All three wards were keenly contested and the Labour Party launched a campaign to improve their position on the authority and this led to a more politicised campaign than in previous years. Aldermen also stood down, including the retiring mayor, J.L. Jones.Monday's Election. Keen Contest in All Wards. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19261030/001/0001?browse=False 24 September 2024 1 30 October 1926 Much to the surprise of the local press, Labour won four of the six seats with two retiring aldermen and W.T. Morris, a sitting county councillor, among those defeated. J.L. Jones, first elected in 1910, finished at the foot of the poll. There was criticism of Indepdnents for fielding too many candidates and allowing Labour candidates to be elected on a split vote.Election Afterthoughts. Lessons for the Anti-Socialists. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19261106/003/0003 3 Llanelly Star 24 September 2024 6 November 1926 The practice of expecting retiring aldermen to seek election in competition with retiring councillors was also questioned. Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1926 Independent (politician) J.H. Williams* 1,480 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes 1,413 Independent (politician) R.P. Thomas** 1,311 Independent (politician) W.E. Clement* 1,045 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1926 Labour Party (UK) Tom Charles 2,085 Independent (politician) Jack Auckland 1,437 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles 1,338 Independent (politician) W.T. Morris* 981 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1926 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan 1,094 Labour Party (UK) Stanley Davies* 1,013 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies 687 Independent (politician) Tom Morgan 600 Independent (politician) J.L. Jones** 592 By-elections At the statutory meeting on 9 November, David Jennings (Ind), T. Hay Samuel (Ind) and Morgan Morgan (Lab) were elected aldermen, causing by-elections in each ward. Sentinel's Gossip. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19261113/003/0003 3 24 September 2024 Llanelly Star 13 November 1926 The Independents won two of these but the ex-mayor was again defeated in Ward Three.The Bye-Elections. Ex-Mayor's Second Defeat. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19261113/003/0003 7 25 September 2024 Llanelly Star 4 December 1926 Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1926 Independent (politician) R.P. Thomas Labour Party (UK) W.L. Rees Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1926 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles Labour Party (UK) D. James Davies Independent (politician) T. Griffiths Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1926 Labour Party (UK) H.W. Bowen 976 Independent (politician) J.L. Jones 581 1927 Llanelly Borough Council election Coverage prior to the election suggested that the Labour Association washopeful of winning at least three seats. However, Labour lost the one seat that they held as the Independnets won all six seats. Roland Thomas, who briefly lost his seat the previous year, was among those re-elected.Socialists Routed. One Independent Gain in Local Elections. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19271105/006/0006?browse=False 5 November 1927 6 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1927 Independent (politician) Frank J. Rees* 2,370 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas* 1,897 Labour Party (UK) W.L. Rees 1,090 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1927 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles* 1,872 Independent (politician) John Williams 1,697 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies* 1,598 Labour Party (UK) D. James Davies 1,371 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1927 Independent (politician) Theo Jenkins* 1,319 Independent (politician) William Davies* 1,081 Labour Party (UK) W. Jones 705 Labour Party (UK) Alf Davies 597 1928 Llanelly Borough Council election All three wards were contested. In Ward One, the two retiring Independent members faced a number of opponents including former Labour councillor Elias Davies and two Independents, Tom Hughes and William Vivian, who had links to the labour movement. In Ward Two,, the two retiring members who had both served since 1919 were opposed by Labour candidates who included the Divisional party's local organizer, Douglas Hughes. Finally, in Ward Three, Labour was defending oth seats but a string Independent challenge was mounted. A self-appointed 'Ratepayers Association' formally supported five non-Labour candidates..The Men to Vote For. Candidates who will Honour their Promises. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19281027/001/0001?browse=False 17 October 2024 27 October 1928 1 Independents held five seats while in Ward 3, Owen Jones, a Labour councillor for nine years, lost his seat to another Labour candidate.Socialists Staggered. Independents Indiminishable. Communists Comatose. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19281103/001/0001?browse=False 17 October 2024 Llanelly Star 3 November 1928 1 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1928 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards* 2,122 Independent (politician) Daniel Roberts* 1,957 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies 945 Independent (politician) Tom Hughes 855 Independent (politician) William Vivian 838 Labour Party (UK) Harry Rees 591 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 96 Communist Party of Great Britain Harry Jones 80 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1928 Independent (politician) W.E. Davies* 2,449 Independent (politician) Jack Evans* 2,432 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes 1,377 Labour Party (UK) Douglas Hughes 1,341 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1928 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies 1,101 Labour Party (UK) D. Grant Evans 1,092 Labour Party (UK) Owen Jones* 1,085 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn Jones 113 1929 Llanelly Borough Council election In addition to the six councillors, three aldermen stood down. However, Joseph Roberts and E. Willis Jones, both of whom had been members of the authority since Llanelli obtained borough status in 1913, chose to stand down..Elections and Retirements (editorial). Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19291026/005/0005?browse=False 21 October 2024 1,5 30 October 1926 At the election, Elias Davies regained the seat he lost two years previously (having unsuccessfully contested Ward One in 1928) while in Ward Three, Labour councillor Stanley Davies lost at the expense of retiring aldermen, W. Powell Rees. Former Labour councillor Owen Jones, now running as an Independent, was unsuccessful.Election Afterthoughts. Lessons for the Anti-Socialists. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19291102/001/0001?browse=False 1 Llanelly Star 21 October 2024 2 November 1926 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1929 Independent (politician) J.H. Williams* 1,625 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 1,507 Independent (politician) William Vivian 1,215 Independent (politician) D. Haddon Jones 1,006 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 61 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1929 Labour Party (UK) Tom Charles* 2,167 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies 1,779 Independent (politician) Jack Auckland* 1,579 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn James 109 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1929 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees** 1,369 Labour Party (UK) H.W. Bowen* 1,173 Labour Party (UK) Stanley Davies* 929 Independent (politician) Owen Jones 613 Communist Party of Great Britain Harry Jones 64 By-elections At the statutory meeting, Martin R. Richards, Jack Evans and William Davies (all Independents) were appointed aldermen. Coverage of the by-elections highlighted the failure of Independents to rally around a single candidate.The Bye-Election. Danger of Too Many Independents in Ward 1. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19291123/001/0001?browse=False 1 22 October 2024 Llanelly Star 23 November 1929 Labour won two of the wards and came within a small margin of winning all three.The Bye-Election. Labour All But Gain Three Seats. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19291130/005/0005?browse=False 5 22 October 2024 Llanelly Star 30 November 1929 Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1929 Independent (politician) William Vivian 1,076 Labour Party (UK) Percy M. Evans 1,060 Independent (politician) D. Haddon Jones 688 Independent (politician) Tom Hughes 434 Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1929 Labour Party (UK) D. James Davies 1,464 Independent (politician) Jack Auckland 1,282 Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1929 Labour Party (UK) F. Stanley Davies 1,127 Independent (politician) Owen Jones 489 1930 Llanelly Borough Council election Independent candidates won all seats in an election dominated by a dispute over the purchase of the tramway company by the borough council, a proposal supported by Labour councillors.Labour's Hopes Crushed. Independents Capture All Seats. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19301108/002/0002?browse=False 31 October 2024 8 November 1930 2 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1930 Independent (politician) Frank J. Rees* 2,471 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas* 2,230 Labour Party (UK) Percy M. Evans 1,612 Labour Party (UK) S. Vicary 1,031 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1930 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles* 1,875 Independent (politician) Joseph Preece 1,658 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes 1,508 Labour Party (UK) J.G. Davies 1,348 Communist Party of Great Britain Brin James 218 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1930 Independent (politician) Theo Jenkins* 1,314 Independent (politician) Robert Richards 1,252 Labour Party (UK) Stanley Davies* 994 Labour Party (UK) T. Colvin 518 Communist Party of Great Britain J. Cowern 45 Communist Party of Great Britain Arthur Evans 26 1931 Llanelly Borough Council election The election wa fought in the immediate aftermath of the 1931 General Election when Dr J.H. Williams had once again been returned as Labour member for the Llanelli constituency following a straight fight with a 'National' candidate, Frank J. Rees (a member of the borough council). Twenty candidates contested the three wards, including a full slate of Communist candidates for the first time (although the party had failed to raise a deposit to contest the recent General Election).Monday's Elections. A Plethora of Candidates. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19311031/001/0001?browse=False 12 November 2024 31 October 1931 1 A heavy poll saw five Independents returned, including a gain from Labour in Ward Two. In Ward One, the sitting Independents polled stronlgly and held off thechallenge of Labour, including Percy Evans, who had been returned to Carmarthenshire County Council at a by-election earlier in the year following a split in the Labour vote.Labour Lose a Seat. Independent Gain in Ward II. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19311107/003/0003?browse=False 12 November 2024 Llanelly Star 7 November 1931 3 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1931 Independent (politician) William Vivian* 3,052 Independent (politician) Daniel Roberts* 2,298 Labour Party (UK) Percy M. Evans 1,533 Labour Party (UK) John Davies 891 Communist Party of Great Britain Arthur Evans 194 Communist Party of Great Britain E. Leyshon 131 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1931 Independent (politician) W.E. Davies* 2,238 Independent (politician) Martin L. Edwards 1,712 Labour Party (UK) D. James Davies* 1,712 Labour Party (UK) William Willams 1,673 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn James 333 Communist Party of Great Britain E.E. Seward 172 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1931 Labour Party (UK) D. Grant Evans* 1,162 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies* 920 Labour Party (UK) George Davies 784 Independent (politician) Owen Jones 598 Independent (politician) Mrs L.C. Jonathan 496 Independent (politician) F. Howells 447 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 116 Communist Party of Great Britain Harry Jones 52 1932 Llanelly Borough Council election The annual election was characterised by multiple candidates in all three wards. The Labour vote was threatened by challenge not only of Communist candidates but also ILP candidates who included some former prominent Labour figures such as Percy Evans, a county councillor, and D. James Davies, a former borough councillor. In Ward 2, three Independent candidates stood, which raised fears of a split vote before the election.Too Many Independent Candidates (editorial. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19321022/005/0005?browse=False 19 November 2024 5 22 October 1932 In addition to the six councillors, three aldermen came to the end of their term and sought re-election. In Ward One, retiring alderman David Jennings and sitting member J.H. Williams were returned, with retiring labour member John Hughes losing his seat. His defeat was attributed, in part, to the intervention of an ILP candidate. There had been an expectation that the sitting Labour members in Ward Two would be threatened by the ILP, but they withstood this challenge as well as that of the Independents candidates. These included T. Hay Samuel, the outgoing mayor, a member of the council since its formation in 1913, and retiring alderman; and also W.T.Morris, a sitting County councillor seeking to regain the seat on the borough council that he lost some years previously. The Independents were more successful in Ward Three, where both Labour candidates, including retiring alderman Morgan Morgan, were defeated.One New Member for the Council Chamber. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19321105/006/0006?browse=False 19 November 2024 6 5 November 1932 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1932 Independent (politician) J.H. Williams* 1,995 Independent (politician) David Jennings** 1,840 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 1,637 Independent Labour Party J.G. Davies 386 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn James 331 Independent Labour Party Robert J. Rees 301 Communist Party of Great Britain Arthur Evans 298 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1932 Labour Party (UK) Tom Charles* 1,499 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies 1,278 Independent Labour Party Percy M. Evans 1,118 Independent (politician) W.T. Morris 1,100 Independent (politician) T. Hay Samuel** 1,066 Independent Labour Party D. James Davies 859 Independent (politician) Tom Jeffreys 685 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 342 Communist Party of Great Britain E.E. Seaward 121 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1932 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees* 1,592 Independent (politician) A.H. Olive* 1,339 Labour Party (UK) H.W. Bowen* 951 Labour Party (UK) Morgan Morgan** 854 Communist Party of Great Britain E. Leyshon 327 Independent (politician) F. Howells 326 Communist Party of Great Britain Tom Colvin 166 By-elections At the statutory meeting, Frank J. Rees (Ind), Tom Charles (Lab) and Theo Jenkins (Ins) wee elected aldermen.New Mayor on Many Topics. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19321112/009/0009 9 20 November 2024 Llanelly Star 12 November 1932 As was the case three years previously, concern was expressed about a split Independent vote in Ward Two as both candidates who unsuccessfully fought three weeks earlier again stood for the single seat.Eleven Candidates Seek Three Seats. Split Votes Again in Council Bye-elections. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19321119/001/0001?browse=False 1 20 November 2024 Llanelly Star 19 November 1932 W.T. Morris withdrew before the poll but Hay Samuel and the official Labour candidate were defeated by the ILP. Labour won the other two seats as ex-councillors defeated at the fist election were successful at their second attempt.Socialists Regain Lost Seats. Llanelly Results in Bye-election. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004700/19321203/002/0002?browse=False 21 November 2024 Llanelly Star 3 December 1932 2 Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1932 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 1,427 Independent Labour Party James G. Davies 248 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn James 90 Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1932 Independent Labour Party Percy M. Evans 1,172 Independent (politician) T. Hay Samuel* 883 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes 853 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 50 Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1932 Labour Party (UK) H.W. Bowen* 1,079 Independent (politician) Fred Howells 591 Communist Party of Great Britain E. Leyshon 164 1933 Llanelly Borough Council election The election resulted in Labour gaining one seat from the Independents.Two New Members for Council Chamber. Socialists Win a Seat from Independents. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19331104/007/0007?browse=False 21 November 2024 4 November 1933 7 This was in Ward Two, where Douglas Hughes, a county councillor since 1931, took a seat despite the Labour vote being split by the intervention of the ILP. In Ward One, Mervyn Paton, clerk to Kidwelly Borough Council, took a seat at the expense of Roland Thomas, a long-serving member who was also a leading figure in the Welsh Rugby Union. There was an increase in the Communist vote in all three wards. Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1933 Independent (politician) Mervyn D.J. Paton 1,838 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 1,837 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas* 1,470 Independent Labour Party James G. Davies 651 Communist Party of Great Britain Brin James 536 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1933 Labour Party (UK) W. Douglas Hughes 1,495 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles* 1,339 Independent Labour Party D. James Davies 1,254 Labour Party (UK) Ben Griffiths 1,012 Independent (politician) Joseph Preece* 893 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 422 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1933 Labour Party (UK) H.W. Bowen* 1,197 Independent (politician) Robert Richards* 1,105 Independent (politician) Dr L.C. Edwards 894 Communist Party of Great Britain E. Leyshon 497 1934 Llanelly Borough Council election Eight seats were contested, as opposed to the usual six, following the resignation of Jack Evans and the death of Frank J. Rees. J.H. Williams and Elias Davies had been elevated to the aldermanic bench to fill the two vacancies resulting in three seats being vacant in Wards One and Two. The outstanding feature was the surprise election of Ernest Leyshon, the Communist candidate, in Ward Three, although his success at the Harbour Trust election in September had indicated a further increase in support for the Communists. Elsewhere, Roland Thomas was elected to fill the vacancy in Ward One following his defeat the previous year.First Communist Councillor. Surprise Success in the Election. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19341103/001/0001?browse=False 21 November 2024 3 November 1934 1 Ward One (three seats) Ward One 1934 Independent (politician) Daniel Roberts* 2,151 Independent (politician) William Vivian* 2,005 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas 1,871 Labour Party (UK) Joseph Howells 1,046 Communist Party of Great Britain Bryn James 887 Labour Party (UK) J. Williams 838 Labour Party (UK) H. Rees 797 Independent Labour Party J.G. Davies 438 Communist Party of Great Britain Arthur Evans 319 Independent Labour Party E. Jones 285 Ward Two (three seats) Ward Two 1934 Independent (politician) W.E. Davies* 1,816 Independent (politician) Martin L. Edwards* 1,622 Labour Party (UK) Daniel Rees 1,612 Labour Party (UK) William Williams 1,484 Independent Labour Party D. James Davies 1,346 Independent (politician) Mrs Daisy Lewis 1,207 Labour Party (UK) T.H. Jenkins 816 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 625 Communist Party of Great Britain H. Jones 246 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1934 Labour Party (UK) D. Grant Evans* 1,185 Communist Party of Great Britain Ernest Leyshon 1,112 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies* 726 Independent (politician) W.J. Thomas 645 Labour Party (UK) G. Every 517 1935 Llanelly Borough Council election In addition to the six councillors, three aldermen retired leaving a potential nine retiring members competing for six seats. However, following previous concerns about a split Independent votes, Roland P. Thomas (Ward One) and William Davies (Ward Three) decided not to seek re-election and wait for the forthcoming by-elections. In both Wards One and Two, the Independent candidates prevailed, with Alderman Elias Davies, only elevated to the aldermanic bench the previous year, losing his seat. Retiring ILP member Percy Evans was also defeated. Ward Three, however, saw a huge surprise when W. Powell Rees, a borough councillor for twenty years and a serving county councillor, being comfortably defeated by the Communist candidate Brinley James.Ward 3 Election Shock. Mr Powell Rees Out. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19351102/001/0001?browse=False 25 November 2024 1 2 November 1935 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1935 Independent (politician) David Jennings* 2,272 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards** 2,180 Labour Party (UK) H. Percy Rees 1,343 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 1,016 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1935 Labour Party (UK) Daniel Rees* 1,737 Independent (politician) W.E. Phillips 1,641 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies** 1,605 Independent (politician) G.F. Austin 1,341 Independent Labour Party D. James Davies 905 Independent Labour Party Percy M. Evans* 773 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1935 Independent (politician) A.H. Olive* 1,565 Communist Party of Great Britain Brinley James 1,373 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees** 1,192 Labour Party (UK) Glyn Every 786 By-elections At the statutory meeting, Dan Roberts (Ind), W.E. Davies (Ind) and H.W. Bowen (Lab) were elected aldermen.The New Aldermen. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004711/19351109/001/0001 1 26 November 2024 Llanelly Star 9 November 1935 A further vacancy in Ward Three was created by the death the previous month of the Labour councillor, D. Grant Evans.Choir Sings Hymns at Graveside. Burial of Councillor Grant Evans. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19351019/008/0008?browse=False 8 26 November 2024 Llanelly Star 19 October 1935 Much attention focused on Ward Three, where the Communists sought further success but they fell short by 32 votes behind ex-Alderman William Davies and Labour candidate John Griffiths. In Wards One and Two, old members regained seats as the Communists did not contest.Communists Snubbed. Ward Three Victory They Didn't Get. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19351130/001/0001?browse=False 1 26 November 2024 Llanelly Star 30 November 1935 Roland Thomas, first elected to the former Urban District Council in 1911, was again returned. Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1935 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas* 1,738 Labour Party (UK) H. Percy Rees 1,082 Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1935 Labour Party (UK) Elias Davies 1,602 Independent Labour Party D. James Davies 833 Independent (politician) John Zammit 665 Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1935 Independent (politician) William Davies** 1,013 Labour Party (UK) John Griffiths 947 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 932 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies 771 Labour Party (UK) George Davies 420 Independent (politician) J. Bradbury 133 1936 Llanelly Borough Council election Two sitting members were defeated but the overall composition of the Council remained unchanged.Two New Members for Council Chamber. Socialists Win a Seat from Independents. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19331104/007/0007?browse=False 21 November 2024 4 November 1936 7 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1936 Independent (politician) Dr H.D. Llewellyn 2,232 Independent (politician) Mervyn D.J. Paton* 2,141 Labour Party (UK) John Hughes* 1,308 Labour Party (UK) J. Llewellyn Evans 1,163 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1936 Labour Party (UK) W. Douglas Hughes* 1,865 Labour Party (UK) D.J. Joseph 1,695 Independent (politician) W.H. Charles* 1,579 Independent (politician) Mrs Daisy Lewis 1,259 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1936 Labour Party (UK) J. Griffiths* 1,257 Independent (politician) A.G. Brown 717 Communist Party of Great Britain Enoch Collins 541 Labour Party (UK) H. Heath 518 Independent (politician) P.W. Beynon 380 Independent (politician) J. Bradbury 93 1937 Llanelly Borough Council election All three wards were closely contested and the defeated candidates including three sitting county councillors, namely Martin L. Edwards, who lost his seat in Ward Two; and J. Llewellyn Evans and David Richards who both failed to gain seats. W. Powell Rees regained a seat in Ward Three after being defeated by a Communist candidate in 1935.Three Members Lose Seats on Council. Communist Polls Lowest of 13 Candidates. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19371106/010/0010?browse=False 2 December 2024 6 November 1937 10 The Llanelly Star decried the split in the Independent vote which contributed to the defeat of long-serving member William Davies.The Election Results (editorial). Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19371106/007/0007?browse=False 2 December 2024 6 November 1934 7 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1937 Independent (politician) Roland P. Thomas* 1,792 Independent (politician) William Vivian* 1,640 Labour Party (UK) David L. Richards 1,607 Independent (politician) E.E. Powell 858 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1937 Labour Party (UK) W.J. Davies 1,693 Independent (politician) W.H, Charles 1,647 Labour Party (UK) J. Llewellyn Evans 1,634 Independent (politician) Martin L. Edwards* 1,588 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1937 Independent (politician) W. Powell Rees 1,337 Independent (politician) Robert Richards 1,022 Independent (politician) William Davies* 940 Labour Party (UK) Harry Heath 614 Communist Party of Great Britain Ernest Leyshon* 439 By-elections Two by-elections were held during the first half of 1938 following the deaths of long-serving councillors William Vivian and Roland P. Thomas. Ward One by-election 1938 A by-election was held on 17 February 1938 following the death of William Vivian. William Davies, former mayor and a member for 21 years who had been defeated in Ward Three the previous November, won the seat by a narrow margin despite a split Independent vote.Success Despite Split Vote. Former Mayor Holds Ward 1 Seat for Independents. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19380219/001/0001?browse=False 5 December 2024 Llanelly Star 19 February 1938 1 Ward One by-election February 1938 Independent (politician) William Davies 1,670 Labour Party (UK) David L. Richards 1,520 Independent (politician) E.E. Powell 426 Ward One by-election 1938 A by-election was held on 5 May 1938 following the death of Roland P. Thomas. David Richards, having lost narrowly at the previous by-election, was elected with a comfortable majority.Labour Gain in Ward 1. 500 Majority for Mr D.L. Richards. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19380507/001/0001?browse=False 6 December 2024 Llanelly Star 7 May 1938 1 Ward One by-election May 1938 Labour Party (UK) David L. Richards 1,646 Independent (politician) J. Preece 1,100 1938 Llanelly Borough Council election Three aldermen and six councilors stood down. The mayor, Elias Davies, indicated that he would retire but ultimately chose to oppose the official Labour candidates.15 Candidates for Six Seats; Election Puzzles. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19381029/001/0001?browse=False 3 December 2024 1 29 October 1938 He was unsuccessful in Ward Two. In Ward One. David Jennings and Martin Richards, members since pre-1914 days were comfortably returned ahead of the Labour candidate, County Alderman Joseph Howell. In Ward Three, Communist Brin James was defeated.Mayor and Communist Lose Seats on Council. All Independent Members are Returned. Llanelly Star https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0004711/19381105/008/0008?browse=False 3 December 2024 8 5 November 1938 Ward One (two seats) Ward One 1938 Independent (politician) David Jennings* 2,066 Independent (politician) Martin R. Richards** 1,866 Labour Party (UK) Joseph Howell 1,370 Independent (politician) W. Hughes 904 Ward Two (two seats) Ward Two 1938 Labour Party (UK) Daniel Rees* 2,264 Independent (politician) W.E. Phillips* 1,737 Labour Party (UK) D.J. Charles 1,662 Independent (politician) Mrs Daisy Lewis 936 Independent Labour Elias Davies** 819 Ward Three (two seats) Ward Three 1935 Independent (politician) A.H. Olive* 1,638 Independent (politician) Theo Jenkins** 1,119 Communist Party of Great Britain Brinley James* 787 Labour Party (UK) T.M. Price 683 Independent (politician) W.J. Davies 384 Independent (politician) J. Bradbury 102 By-elections At the statutory meeting, David Jennings, W.H. Charles and Robert Richards were elected aldermen. This was the second occasion that Jennings had been appointed for a six years term. Llanelly Outgrowing Present Boundaries. https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000104/19381110/305/0012?browse=False 10 4 December 2024 Western Mail 10 November 1938 At the ensuing by-elections, Brin James regained his seat in Ward Three as a Communist, although he had broken with the local party. In Ward One, the Labour candidate Joseph Howell was again unsuccessful while D.J. Charles was returned unopposed in Ward Two. Ward 1 by-election (one seat) Ward 1 by-election 1938 Independent (politician) H.F.M. Coombs 1,344 Labour Party (UK) Joseph Howell 1,257 Ward 2 by-election (one seat) Ward 2 by-election 1938 Labour Party (UK) D.J. Charles 1,602 Ward 3 by-election (one seat) Ward 3 by-election 1938 Communist Party of Great Britain Brin James 802 Independent (politician) Frederick Howells 689 Labour Party (UK) T.M. Price 499 Independent (politician) William Thomas 242 Independent (politician) J. Bradbury 19 References Category:Elections in Carmarthenshire