38 candidates were returned unopposed resulting in only twelve contests. This was three fewer than in 1949. It was stated in the local press that interest in the county council was declining and that councillors would soon need to be paid like the officials.[1]
Eight aldermen retired, of whom four sought election. At Bow Street and Goginan, the retiring councillors stood down in favour of the retiring aldermen.[2]
Outcome
Of the ten contests, the striking result was the defeat of the chairman-elect, Morgan Jones at Strata Florida. Jones, a retiring alderman and member since 1928 was opposed and defeated by retiring councillor Emrys Lloyd.[3] The sitting members at Cwmrheidol and Troedyraur were also defeated.[4]
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 1952 election, there were eight aldermanic vacancies which were filled at the annual meeting on 16 April.[5]
The following retiring aldermen was re-elected:
D.R. Morgan, Bow Street
Mrs C.M. Evans, Aberystwyth
John Williams, Goginan
Josiah R. Jones, Llandysul
In addition, the following four new aldermen were elected:
Rev E.M. Lewis, Aberporth (also elected vice-chairman of the council)
Evan Evans, Cilcennin
Capt. D. Oswald Davies, New Quay
O.J. Owen, Lledrod
The father of the council, Josiah R. Jones, had served since 1910, while D.R. Morgan had served since 1922 and Evan Evans since 1925.[5]
Aldermanic Vacancies, 1952-55
Two vacancies arose in early 1955, following the deaths of Alderman Josiah R. Jones, the father of the council, and of Mrs C.M. Lewis Evans, Aberystwyth. Edward Lewis, Llandysul and Mrs Gwendoline Calan Evans, Aberystwyth, were elected to take their place.[6]
By-elections
Seven by-elections were held following the election of aldermen.[7] Josiah R. Jones had been designated a life alderman on account of his long service and was not obliged to seek re-election. At Bow Street and Goginan, retiring councillors who had stood down in favour of retiring aldermen were returned unopposed.
After two nominated candidates withdrew, four contested by-elections were held to fill the vacancies.
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