An election to the Carmarthenshire County Council was held on 9 April 1970.[1] It was preceded by the 1967 election and was the last election prior to the reorganization of local government in Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council was merged with Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire to form the new county of Dyfed and the first elections to the new authority were held in 1973.
Overview of the result
59 councillors were elected. The final elections to the council before dissolution saw the Independents retain control of the authority. The Plaid Cymru advance which was apparent in 1967 was halted and most candidates made little impact.
Boundary changes
There were no boundary changes at this election.
Unopposed returns
As in 1967, these were fewer in number than at most post-war elections.
Contested elections
Contests took place in the majority of wards, and Labour lost some further ground in the Llanelli area while at the same time winning back some seats lost three years previously. Labour also won two seats in Carmarthen town for the first time.
In addition to the 59 councillors the council consisted of 19 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the elections, the majority of the aldermanic seats were taken by Labour.
Retiring aldermen
A number of retiring councillors stood down to allow retiring aldermen to be returned unopposed.
References
^"County Council Elections". Carmarthen Journal. 15 April 1970.
