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)

*Arthur StreetLiberal Party549
*William GrowseConservative Party524
*Edward HodgesConservative Party517
Joseph CrouchLiberal Party492
*Charles RandallConservative Party466
*James JacksonLiberal Party440
John ClarkeLiberal Party425
*Henry GriffithsLiberal Party422
*Edwin GeeConservative Party418
Andrew HackingLiberal Party376
*Arthur PerkinsConservative Party353
*Charles CarterConservative Party352

Not Elected

Ernest NixonConservative Party344
Madeley BurmanConservative Party338
Charles HousiauxConservative Party115
Robert LynnConservative Party62

*denotes retiring member

Only One Person at Declaration

Only 16 candidates stood in this triennial election. The result being a gain of two seats for the Liberal Party, all six of their candidates being returned, including two new members, Hacking and Clarke. Indeed, this was Mr Clarke’s forth attempt at a KUDC election.

One noticable absentee from the election was George Bostock, who at been on the council since 1898. The reason giving was that he was leaving Kenilworth to live in Cubbington.

Votes recorded totalled 2,704 for the Liberals and 2,630 for the Conservatives.

For the very first time in a Kenilworth election, there were no public meetings held by either party in the town. There was very little use of any traps or carriages displaying any posters, and motor-cars were generally few and far between in bringing people to the polling stations. Voting did increase a little after 7pm, only one hour before polling closed but this is normal in local elections. Polling stations, as usual were at St Nicholas School in School Lane.

The count started at 9am on the following day (Tuesday 8th) at the council house at Upper Rosemary Hill, The declaration came at 11.30am and with the election being so underwhelming, only one member of the public was there to witness it.

Ernest Hadow, the temporary council clerk, carried out the duties of the returning officer due to the illness of Joseph Willington-Wilmshurst. Unfortunately, he died just over a month after the election, on 9th May, he was only 58.

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

Chairman 1913 to 1919

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)

*Charles RandallIndependent697
*Edward HodgesIndependent622
*Edwin GeeIndependent530
*Joseph CrouchUnattached460
William DencerLocal Trades & Labour Council 456
*Charles CarterIndependent436
*Andrew HackingUnattached434
Ernest NixonIndependent429
Warrington BennettIndependent426
*James JacksonIndependent421
Edgar AndrewsUnattached415
*Henry GriffithsUnattached357

Not Elected

Charles RobertsLocal Trades & Labour Council 355
Charles SatchwellIndependent345
*John ClarkeUnattached343
Horace SouthallLocal Trades & Labour Council 268
Edward JeacockLocal Trades & Labour Council 257
Walter CrookLocal Trades & Labour Council 219
Arthur ConstableLocal Trades & Labour Council 209
William FranklinIndependent195
Frank HarrisUnattached97

*denotes retiring member

Turnout 1200 (49%)

Electorate 2440

TWO SEAT MAJORITY FOR INDEPENDENTS

There were two principle parties involved in this election. The ‘Independents’, comprising of nine candidates, who in their joint address stated that they stood for Economy and Efficency’. They also pledged themselves to supporting the housing scheme already in hand, improvements to sanitation, repairs and the up-keep of all the roads. Seven of their nine candidates were elected.

The other party of six candidates, calling themselves the ‘Local Trades and Labour Council’ were less successful. Mr Roberts (carpenter), Mr Southall (victualler and engineer), Mr Jeacock (billposter), Mr Crook (carpenter), Mr Constable (railway signalman) plus Mr Dencer (draper), who was their only successful candidate.

The remaining six candidates were of no specified party organisation. They were totally unattached to the two other groups. But this did not seem to put off voters, as four of their candidates were elected. However, John Clarke, who was elected in 1913 and remained on the council throughout the war, lost his seat

Two members from the old council, Growse and Perkins did not seek re-election. Arthur Street had been nominated to stand in the election but had to withdrew due to health problems. He had stood down as chairman in 1916 because of illness but remained on the committee throughout the war. Another nominee, Henry Rowen, of Whitemoor died following a short illness only two weeks before the election. He had worked at the Whitemoor Brickworks for 30 years, and 20 years as foreman.

The weather on election day was fine, and there seemed very little enthusiasm shown, except in the vicinity of the polling stations. The Independents and the Local Trades each had a committee room in School Lane and most of the candidates were present along the street. A few motor-cars were busy during the day, some of them flying small union jack flags but it wasn’t clear to people who they were supporting. There was an eagerness on the part of canvassers to secure the votes of ladies, who turned out well in comparison to the men.

It was stated in the local press that the ‘middle classes’ had mostly voted during the morning and afternoon but it was in the evening that the workmen, many of which worked in Coventry, recorded their votes.

The results were declared at 11.30am on the following day outside the council house in Upper Rosemary Hill. But with heavy rain falling, and a small crowd present, returning officer Mr Hadow, quickly read out the figures and decided that no speeches would be made.

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

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)

William ParkinsonBusiness Group 931
*Edward HodgesBusiness Group 863
*Charles RandallBusiness Group 829
Charles BarwellBusiness Group 804
John ClarkeIndependent689
*William DencerLabour Party684
*Edwin GeeBusiness Group 659
*James JacksonBusiness Group 608
*Andrew HackingIndependent584
*Charles CarterBusiness Group 532
William MarriottBusiness Group 530
Robert GrindrodBusiness Group 524

Not Elected

*Joseph CrouchIndependent523
Alec FayermanBritish Legion460
*Ernest NixonBusiness Group 416
Charles RobertsLabour Party371
William BryanLabour Party270
Henry AdamsLabour Party212
Ernest JensonBusiness Group 204
William ShreeveBritish Legion166
John LeesBritish Legion140

*denotes retiring councillor

A Storming Election

Called the ‘Kenilworth’s Snow-Storm Polling Results’ by a local newspaper, due not only to the terrible weather but to the closely contested nature of the poll which ended with five new members being elected. So close was the voting, the final position was won by only one vote, Grindrod from the ‘Business Group’, just getting the better of rival Crouch, an Independent.

Supported by the Conservatives, the eleven business candidates only had two of their candidates fail to be elected. Former police inspector, William Parkinson topped the poll with 931 votes.

The Labour party fielded four candidates, but only one got elected. That being William Dencer, who was a member of the old council. He was first elected three years ago when he stood as a candidate for the group named the ‘Local Trades and Labour Council’.

There was only modest electioneering literature about the town, Clarke send out some leaflets as did the three British Legion candidates. The Labour party attached posters to motor-cars but these were quickly un-readable due to the snow, so that became a wasted exercise.

Four polling stations were used, all at St Nicholas School in School Lane. With the snow falling for most of the day it was felt this reduced the number of people who voted. Large numbers of women voted in this election, many for the first time. Following the declaration, the results were posted on the wall outside of the council house.

8,434 votes were recorded for the elected 12 members.

When the new members take up their positions on the council they will have one major problem to address, the £4.600 overdraft at the bank.

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

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)