1961 Cardiganshire County Council election


The twenty-second election to Cardiganshire County Council took place in April 1961. It was preceded by the 1958 election and followed by the 1964 election.

Candidates

46 candidates were returned unopposed resulting in only four contests, a record low.

Outcome

The only surprise in the four contests was at Llandysul, where retiring member Edward Lewis, owner of the Gomer Press, was defeated after eighteen years.

Results

Aberystwyth Division 5

Cwmrheidol

Llandygwydd

Llangeitho

Lledrod

Tregaron

Election of Aldermen

In addition to the 50 councillors the council consisted of 16 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the 1961election, there were eight aldermanic vacancies which were filled at the annual meeting.
The following retiring aldermen were re-elected:
  • Evan Davies, Llechryd
  • W.Z. Jones, Llanfarian
  • Meredydd Ll.G. Williams, Llanwenog
In addition, the following four new aldermen were elected:
  • Mrs G.E. Jones, Aberystwyth
  • D.H. Jones, Capel Seion
  • E.J. Thomas, Aberaeron
  • W. Morgan Davies, Llanddewi Brefi
  • Morgan Lloyd Jenkins, Brynhoffnant
John John, Aberystwyth, the sole Labour member of the authority, and Evan Glyn Davies, Aberarth, were not re-elected aldermen.

By-elections

Six by-elections were called following the election of aldermen. Five of the wards were contested in elections held on 3 June. At Llanfarian, the former councillor who had stood down in favour of Alderman W.Z. Jones was returned unopposed. There were no vacancies in the other two wards due to the incumbents being life aldermen.