Political Composition
The Metropolitan District is divided into areas referred to as wards which range from 10,000 to 15,000 voters (average 12,000). There are 30 Electoral Wards and each ward elects three Councillors.
The total composition of the Council is therefore 90 councillors.
Elections are held in May, where one third of the 90 seats (one for each ward) are contested and the successful candidate is elected for a period of four years. To gain political control of the Council, one party needs to hold at least 46 seats.
In the event that this is not achieved, the Council is politically "hung" with no one party in overall control.
During a "hung" Council efforts are made to seek some agreement between the parties in order for the Council to continue to operate
