The Aberdare Urban District Council was established in 1894 and covered the parish of Aberdare. Its responsibilities included public health, sanitation, roads and public works generally.
There were five wards, namely Aberaman (also known as No. 5 Ward), Blaengwawr (also known as No. 4 Ward), Gadlys (also known as No. 2 Ward), Llwydcoed (also known as No. 1 Ward), and the Town Ward (also known as No. 3 Ward). At this time, one member was elected from each ward on an annual basis.
An election was held in April 1901. It was preceded by the 1900 election and followed by the 1902 election. The term of office of members elected at the 1898 election came to and those elected were to serve until 1904.
Labour candidates fought this election but, following the declaration of the result and the defeat of these candidates, Charles Stanton delivered a fiery speech condemning the working classes for their reluctance to support labour candidates.
(*) denotes sitting member