Blaengwawr became an electoral ward in the late nineteenth century with the formation of Glamorgan County Council.
Blaengwawr first became an electoral ward in the late nineteenth century with the formation of Aberdare Urban District Council.
At the 1904 election, Howell was opposed by another Liberal candidate, Gwilym Treharne, who came within 71 votes of victory.
In 1910, however, Treharne finally succeeded in ousting Howell, who lost his seat after fifteen years.
In 1904 an additional seat was created, allowing T. Walter Williams to be returned alongside Rees Llewellyn.