Merionethshire County Council

During the period, Liberal candidates win large majorities at each election and Conservative support was limited to some of the towns and areas where local gentry continued to gain some personal support. The leadership of the council was composed mainly of prosperous middle class tradesmen, professionals and nonconformist ministers.

The first election was held in 1889 and the Liberal Party held a large majority of the seats down to the First World War, reflecting its dominance over the politics of the county.

The first meeting of the council was a notable event. Samuel Pope, elected as temporary chairman, ruled that only English could be spoken at council meetings. This prompted an outcry in the county, as it was apparent that several members were not fluent in the English language.^[1] Prior to the second meeting of the council, a caucus meeting of the Liberal councillors was held at which it was decided by thirty votes against nine that Dr Edward Jones of Dolgellau, rather than Pope, should be the permanent chairman.^[2]

• List of Chairmen of Merionethshire County Council
• Merionethshire County Council election, 1889
• Merionethshire County Council election, 1892