Is there any particular cause or anything which links the Independents? If not, why so many?
I have no idea, but should point out the following:
Powys: 53 Independents (Ind win)
Pembrokeshire: 40 Independents (Ind win)
Carmarthenshire: 32 Independents (NOC)
Ynys Môn: 28 Independents (Ind win)
Denbighshire: 23 Independents (NOC)
Wrexham: 20 Independents (NOC)
Flintshire: 18 Independents (Lab)
Gwynedd: 17 Independents (PC)
Merthyr Tydfil: 16 Independents (Lab)
Ceredigion: 16 Independents (NOC)
Swansea: 12 Independents (NOC)
Bridgend: 10 Independents (NOC)
All other councils less than 10 Independents. Just like in Scotland, Wales is the home of the Independent.