[2] The Conservative party retained control of the council, though with a slightly reduced majority, with 3 fewer seats compared to just prior to the election.

Those who were temporarily away from their ordinary address (for example, away working, on holiday, in student accommodation or in hospital) were also entitled to vote in the local elections.

The Conservatives won 54 seats at the 2009 election, but lost three of these in by-elections during the term.

The Liberal Democrats won 11 seats at the 2009 election, but increased their numbers to 14 during the term, gaining at the by-elections from the Conservatives.

[4] This resulted in more than 20,000 people being refused a vote including the whole town of Whitchurch.