[1][2] The council had previously been under no overall control, being led by a Labour minority administration with some support from the Liberal Democrats.

Labour gained five extra seats at the election, giving them a majority on the council for the first time in its history.

The Labour leader, David Kearns, was given the title leader of the council after the election, confirming the position he had de facto held since May 1995 by virtue of being chairman of the policy and resources committee.

[4][5] The by-election in Hitchin Oughton ward was triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor David Harbourne on 18 March 1996.

[6] The Letchworth Wilbury ward by-election was triggered by the death of Labour councillor David Evans.