The 1973 elections were the first to the new local authorities, with councillors acting in a shadow capacity until 1 April 1974 when the new councils took full effect.
[1] The position of alderman on the local authorities was abolished, with all members of the new councils being elected ward councillors.
[1] Seventy-eight Gwent County Council seats in 66 electoral wards were up for election in April 1973.
[2] In Cwmbran Labour did not fare so well, with an Independent and a Ratepayer candidate winning seats, and the Conservatives polling strongly.
[2][a][3] Councillor Rex was a credit company agent and had been a member of Cwmbran Urban Council for 16 years.