Labour Party and Independent candidates were hoping to take seats from the governing Conservatives. Topical issues included the county's Local Development Plan and redevelopment of Rhyl's seafront, as well as the usual funding pressures and unemployment.[2] Four of the 30 electoral wards were uncontested, while in the Ruthin ward there were 12 candidates competing for the 3 seats.[2]
Results
Overview
The 39.1% turnout was even lower than the turnout in 2008 (42%), despite the weather being sunny. It was particularly low in areas of social deprivation, such as Rhyl West.[3]
In the Prestatyn North ward, the incorrect councillor was declared the winner, due to his similar surname. Conservative councillor Allan Pennington became councillor for the ward, after 265 votes for the Labour candidate, Paul Penlington, were allocated to him. Penlington was not able to take his rightful seat until 14 February 2013, after a court case involving three High Court judges.[5]