1902 – 7th April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Annual Election

Elected

*Edmund BourneConservative Party461
*Edward HodgesConservative Party456
William HolmesConservative Party374
*James JacksonLiberal Party365

Not elected

W. SmithConservative Party325
*J. KeartlandLiberal Party307
William JamesLiberal Party199
A. LuntLiberal Party164

*denotes retiring member

SIX SEAT MAJORITY FOR TORIES

James Jackson regained his seat following the ‘drawing of lots’ against fellow Liberal Keartland in last year’s election. Ironically, Keartland lost his seat this time around.

Holmes (Con) was re-elected after two years away from the council. Independent member Welsh did not seek re-election, who was first elected in 1894.

The polling was reported to have been unusually slow for most of the day but the total number of voters was about normal. There was only one spoilt ballot paper. A large crowd had congregated outside the council house when the declaration came at 11pm. The results were read out by returning officer Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst.

KUDC Councillors

9 Conservatives (Mr Bourne, Mr Hodges, Mr Holmes, Mr Growse, Mr Bostock, Mr Gee, Mr Weetman, Mr Stringer, Mr Smith)

3 Liberals (Mr Jackson, Mr Street, Mr Murdock)

Council Clerk – Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst

1903 – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Annual Election

Elected

*Capt James StringerUnionist Partyu/opposed
*Arthur WeetmanUnionist Partyu/opposed
Alfred HerbertUnionist Partyco-opted
Richard KnightLiberal Partyco-opted

*denotes retiring member

UNOPPOSED ANNUAL ELECTION – ‘THE KNIGHT’ RETURNS

Four councillors had been nominated for ‘retirement’, these being; Smith, Stringer, Murdock and Weetman. However, Joseph Murdock was leaving Kenilworth and Mr Smith did not want to offer himself for re-election.

But with only the two vacancies to fill it was considered by both Parties that an election might be avoided if each party selected a candidate to fill the two seats. This resulted in Herbert and Knight being co-opted. It was also agreed that present members, Weetman and Stringer would be elected unopposed. This agreement would not alter the political make-up of the council and with the triennial elections returning next year they decided this was a convenient arrangement for this year.

Richard Knight was first elected at the inaugural KUDC election in 1894, being one of the ‘Liberal/Separatist Eight’ but on seeking re-election in 1897 he lost his seat. Alfred Herbert is new to the council.

KUDC Councillors

9 Conservatives (E. Bourne, E. Hodges, W. Holmes, W. Growse, W. Bostock, E. Gee, A. Weetman, J. Stringer, A. Herbert)

3 Liberals (J. Jackson, H. Street, J. Knight)

Council Clerk – Mr J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst

1904 – 25th March – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

*Edwin GeeConservative Party533
*William GrowseConservative Party531
*James JacksonLiberal Party495
*George BostockConservative Party476
Charles RandallLiberal Party476
Arthur StreetLiberal Party465
*Edward HodgesConservative Party451
*Edmund BourneConservative Party430
William RileyLiberal Party363
Maj. BerkeleyConservative Party355
Edward MargettsConservative Party327
*Arthur WeetmanConservative Party307

Not elected

George BarnetLiberal Party299
William PearsConservative Party298
John KnightLiberal Party291
*Richard KnightLiberal Party289
Ernest NixonConservative Party262
Dr. JacksonConservative Party261
T. SherwinLiberal Party183
Charles WilkinsonConservative Party150

*denotes retiring member

FIRST FULL ELECTION FOR 10 YEARS – TORIES RULE

This was the first triennial election of the KUDC since the inaugural poll of 1894. Up until this point, the council was using the annual election system, where one-third of councillors needed to retire and seek re-election. But the suggestion of adopting triennial elections permanently had been discussed by the council back in 1901, when it was voted through unanimously. But it took three years to sort out the details (with the County Council) and revert back to it permanently. Several reasons were put forward for the change. Money would be saved from not having elections every year and it would also stop the ill-feeling and friction that always seemed to happen during annual elections. Plus the fact that the electorate were getting fed-up with having to vote every year.

Liberal Richard Knight, who was elected back onto the council un-opposed at last years annual election surprisingly lost his seat. But fellow Liberal, William Riley was returned, having previously served between 1894-1898. Conservatives, Alfred Herbert and Capt Stringer who were elected onto the council last year in the annual election, did not seek re-election.

The counting took place at 9am the following day. The result was declared by returning officer Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst, outside the council house in Upper Rosemary Hill at 1.10pm. Despite the inclement weather a decent crowd had gathered to hear the results.

A local newspaper stated; ‘The rain in the evening prevented anything like any demonstration, which is usual at the close of the poll, neither was there any disturbance during the day so the police had a quiet time’.

KUDC Councillors

8 Conservatives (E. Gee, G. Bostock, W. Growse, E. Hodges, E. Bourne, Maj. Berkeley, A. Weetman, E. Margetts)

4 Liberals (J. Jackson, C. Randall, H. Street, W. Riley)

Chairman

Chairman 1904-07

1904-05 Edmund Bourne

1905-06 Edmund Bourne

1906-07 Edmund Bourne

Council Clerk – Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst

Photo courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office ref. PH (N) 600/147

About Urban District Councils

An urban district was a local government district that covered an urbanised area. They had an elected council (UDC) and shared the local government responsiblies along with county councils.

These urban districts (and rural districts) were first created in 1894 by the (Local Government Act 1894) as subdivisions of administrative districts. These reforms of local government started mainly in England and Wales. But within a few years Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland also adopted these reforms.

UDCs replaced the former system of urban sanitary districts or local boards (based on poor-law unions) the functions of which were taken over by the new UDCs. Their powers were extended and also had the responsibilities of parklands, cemeteries, water supplies and local planning.

The principal effects of the act were:

The urban district system (and RDCs) would have elected councils, as would parish councils. This would form a second tier of local government below the county councils.

The entitlement of women who owned property to vote in local elections, become poor-law guardians and sit on school boards.

All councillors would initially be elected for a three year term, but one third of the members would be required to stand for re-election each year (around April). However, UDCs had the power to retain the triennial election if a two-thirds majority of councillors were in favour ot it.

To be eligible for an election, a candidate was required to be on the electoral register and to have lived in the area for 12 months prior to the election.

All electors only had one vote, unlike in previous years where the ‘weighted’ voting system was in place. This allowed some electors who owned more property than others to have multiple votes.

The elected chairman of the new Urban and Rural district councils automatically became a Justice of the Peace.

1907 – 25th March – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

*William GrowseConservative Party579
*Edward HodgesConservative Party528
*James JacksonLiberal Party528
*Edmund BourneConservative Party522
*Charles RandallConservative Party511
*George BostockConservative Party499
*Edwin GeeConservative Party452
*Arthur StreetLiberal Party431
Charles CarterConservative Party418
George BarnettLiberal Party410
*William RileyLiberal Party406
*Arthur WeetmanConservative Party379

Not Elected

Charles WilkinsonConservative Party354
Arthur PerkinsConservative Party346
Edward LeeLiberal Party340
Jeremiah O’HeaLiberal Party331
Richard TaylorLiberal Party295
Wiliiam HolmesConservative Party292
John ClarkeLiberal Party283
William BishopLiberal Party266
Thomas SmithConservative Party261
Richard KnightLiberal Party237
Arthur WalmsleyLiberal Party226
George WhendayLiberal Party224

*denotes retiring member

FOUR SEAT MAJORITY FOR TORIES

More interest was shown over this triennial election than is normally the case. There was one or two topics to arouse the interest of the ratepayers, notably that of the on-going issue with the sewage farm. The other being that too many farmers were on the council, four of them. But with an average vote of 464 each, this vindicated their inclusion. So, the result of the election shows that the ratepayers endorsed the action of their representatives in this matter.

All the old members who offered themselves up for re-election were returned. Maj. Berkeley and Edward Margetts did not seek re-election. They were replaced by Mr Barnett and Mr Carter.

Several motor-cars and carriages were lent by the conservatives candidates and supporters to ‘assist’ voters to the polling stations. The Liberals only had one motor-car plus two or three carriages for assistance, which probably didn’t help their cause. Charles Randall who was elected as a Liberal in 1904, had now switched to the Conservatives.

Polling took place as usual was at St. Nicholas schoolrooms, School Lane and three polling stations were used. Voters were allotted a station by the initial of their surname. Voting commenced at 8am until 8pm. Returning officer was Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst.

KUDC Councillors

8 Conservatives (W. Growse, E. Hodges, E. Bourne, C. Randall, W. Bostock, E. Gee, C. Carter, A. Weetman)

4 Liberals (J. Jackson, A. Street, R. Barnett, W. Riley)

Chairman

Chairman 1907-10

1907-08 William Growse

1908-09 William Growse

1909-10 William Growse

Council Clerk – Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst

Photo courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. ref. PH (N) 600/147/3

1909 -19th April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – By Election

(2 seats)

Arthur PerkinsUnionist Party359
Major F. NelsonUnionist Party329
Edward LeeLiberal Party295
John ClarkeLiberal Party258
Mr Swainunattached18

Electorate 1000

Turnout 658 (65.8%)

SIX SEAT MAJORITY FOR TORIES

This election was to fill two vacancies, one was due to the death of Mr Barnett, the other for the resignation of longstanding chairman, Edmund Bourne.

Polling took place at St. Nicholas Schoolrooms in School Lane, where three polling stations were used. There was a great absence of interest on part of the voters and if it were not for the energetic helpers bringing people in motor-cars and carriages, one would not have thought an election was being held at all.

The count was conducted on the day after the election (Tuesday 20th) at the council house in Upper Rosemary Hill. Results were declared at around 10am by acting returning officer, Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst.

Both the two successful candidates are new to the council. Although, Mr Perkins had just missed out in the 1907 election.

‘Unattached’ candidate, Mr Swain, who finished bottom of the pile with a meagre 18 votes, apparently stated before polling; ‘I do not want my friends voting for me’. Well, Mr Swain, you got your wish and it looks like not many people who weren’t your friend, didn’t bother to vote for you either. (I bet his votes didn’t take long to count)

KUDC Councillors

9 Conservatives/Unionists (A. Perkins, Maj. Nelson, W. Growse, E. Hodges, C. Randall, W. Bostock, E. Gee, C. Carter and A. Weetman)

3 Liberals (J Jackson, H. Street and W. Riley)

1910 – 4th April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

*Edward HodgesConservative Party651
*William GrowseConservative Party527
*Charles RandallConservative Party504
Henry GriffithsLiberal Party489
*James JacksonLiberal Party477
Lincoln ChandlerConservative Party474
*George BostockConservative Party454
*Arthur StreetLiberal Party450
*Edwin GeeConservative Party444
*Arthur PerkinsConservative Party426
Andrew BerkeleyConservative Party419
*Charles CarterConservative Party409

Not elected

Madeley BurmanConservative Party407
John ClarkeLiberal Party403
Edward GreenLiberal Party389
Lord E. SeymourConservative Party359
*William RileyLiberal Party358
Job SatchwellLiberal Party226

*denotes retiring member

SIX SEAT MAJORITY FOR TORIES

This election did not arouse much interest amongst the electorate, nor the parties for that matter. Prior to the election, the Unionists/Conservatives held just two meetings, and the Liberals none at all.

But in the end, three new members were elected, Berkeley, Chandler and Griffiths. Liberal, William Riley, was the only retiring member to lose his seat.

As part of his election address, Dr. Growse voiced the opinion that a bridge should be placed over the ford. He later confessed that this remark may have lost the Conservatives many votes.

Kenilworth Ford – early 1900’s

Lord Leigh, Lord Seymour, Randall and Chandler sent out motor-cars to help with the election. While Berkeley, Growse and Weetman sent out carriages.

Three polling stations were used, all at the same place, St. Nicholas schoolrooms in School Lane.

The results were declared on the steps of the council house at 12.12pm on the following day (Tuesday) by returning officer, Mr. J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst.

KUDC Councillors

9 Conservatives (E. Hodges, W. Growse, C. Randall, E. Gee, G. Bostock, C. Chandler, A. Perkins, Maj. Berkeley, C. Carter)

3 Liberals (H. Griffiths, J. Jackson, A Street)

Chairman

Chairman 1910-13

1910-11 Edwin Gee

1911-12 Edward Hodges

1912-13 Edward Hodges

Council Clerk – Mr J. J. Willington-Wilmshurst

Photo courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. (ref. PH (N) 600/147/3)

1913 – 7th April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

Not Elected

*denotes retiring member

Only One Person at Declaration

KUDC Councillors

6 Conservatives (W. Growse, E. Hodges, C. Randall, E. Gee, A. Perkins and C. Carter)

6 Liberals (A. Street, J. Crouch, J. Jackson, J. Clarke, H. Griffiths, A. Hacking)

Chairman 1913-19

1913-14 Arthur Street

1914-15 Arthur Street

1915-16 Arthur Street

1916-17 Charles Randall

1917-18 Charles Randall

1918-19 Charles Randall

Council Clerk – Ernest Hadow

photo courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. (ref. PH (N) 600/147/3)

1919 – 7th April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

Not Elected

*denotes retiring member

Turnout 1200 (49%)

Electorate 2440

TWO SEAT MAJORITY FOR INDEPENDENTS

KUDC Councillors

7 Independents (C. Randall, E. Hodges, E. Gee, C. Carter, E. Nixon, W. Bennett, J. Jackson)

4 Unattached (J. Crouch, A. Hacking, E. Andrews, H. Griffiths)

1 Local Trades and Labour Council (W. Dencer)

Chairman 1919-22

1919-20 Charles Randall

1920-21 Charles Randall

1921-22 James Jackson

Council Clerk – Ernest Hadow

Chairmans Chain of Office – Courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. (ref. PH (N) 600/147/3)

1922 – 2nd April – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Election

Elected (12 seats)

Not Elected

*denotes retiring councillor

A Storming Election

KUDC Councillors

9 Business Group (W. Parkinson, E. Hodges, C. Randall, C. Barwell, E, Gee, J. Jackson, C. Carter, W. Marriott, R. Grindrod)

2 Independents (J. Clarke, A. Hacking)

1 Labour (W. Dencer)

Chairman 1922-25

1922-23 Edward Hodges

1923-24 Edward Hodges

1924-25 Edward Hodges

Clerk – Mr E. Jones

photo courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. (ref. PH (N) 600/147/3)