A BAPTIST minister has been elected onto Pembrokeshire County Council.
Rev. Huw George, of Llandysilio, won the by- election for the Maenclochog electoral division, a seat formerly held by long-serving councillor and ex-chairman of the authority, Clr. John Thomas. By coincidence, both were next door neighbours and close friends.
Clr. Rev. George, who stood as an Independent, polled 392 votes. In second place was John Rhys Davies, of Plaid Cymru, who recorded 324 votes. Third was the Conservative candidate, Richard Griffiths, with 238 votes.
The turnout for the by-election was 55 per cent. Clr. Rev. George, minister of Blaenconin and Ffynnon Baptist Chapels, will now join his father, Clr. John George, on the 60-strong authority. Clr. John George represents the electoral division of St. Davids.
The full result of the by-election was: Patricia Ann Bowen (Socialist Labour Party) 45 votes; John Rhys Davies (Plaid Cymru) 324; Huw Meredydd George (Independent) 392; Richard Griffiths: (Conservative) 238; Teifion Williams John 57; Robert Meurig Jones (Independent) 151; Philip Ian Walker 107.