Despite the upheaval of the war years the Liberals refined their majority.
Candidates
As in previous elections, there were a large number of unopposed returns. In all 31 members were returned without a contest.[1]
Gains and losses
Very few seats changed hands.
Contested elections
It was stated that the bitterest fights were between candidates of the same political persuasion.
Retiring aldermen
Eight aldermen retired, all of whom were Liberals.[2] Their six-year terms had ended in 1916 but they had been re-appointed in 1916 until fresh elections were held. Two of their number, Lima Jones (elected alderman in 1916 following the death of Morgan Evans) at Aberaeron and E. James Davies at New Quay, contested the election and the former was defeated in one of the surprises of the election. D.C. Roberts, R.J.R. Loxadale and the Rev John Williams were re-elected aldermen but Vaughan Davies, the Rev David Evans and D.L. Jones stood down.
Seven of the eight retiring aldermen were Liberals, and the new aldermen reflected the same political balance.[2] No elected councillors were elected as aldermen so no by-elections were required for the first time in the history of the council.
The following five retiring aldermen were re-elected:
D.C. Roberts, Liberal
R.J.R. Loxdale, Liberal (retiring alderman, from outside Council - did not seek election)
Rev John Williams (retiring alderman, from outside Council - did not seek election)
E. Lima Jones, Liberal
In addition, the following four new aldermen were elected:
R.S. Rowland, Conservative
Griffith Davies, Liberal
Rev William Griffiths, Liberal
Rev T. Mason Jones, Liberal
One retiring aldermen was elected as councillor but not re-elected as alderman:
E. James Davies, New Quay
Only one retiring alderman was not re-elected having retired from county politics:
