Following negotiations with other groups, the SNP formed a minority administration in June 2018, with Graham Leadbitter taking on the role of Council Leader and Shona Morrison being appointed Convenor, the first women to take on the role in Moray Council's history.

At the previous election in 2012, the Scottish National Party saw their seat count increase by 1, and became the largest grouping on the council by vote share.

The other by-election was held in the Elgin City North ward, which resulted in an SNP gain from Labour.

This may differ from other published sources showing gain/loss relative to seats held at dissolution of Scotland's councils.

Source:[23][24] On 24 October 2019, independent councillor Ron Shepherd retired due to ill-health.

[25] A by-election was held in the Keith and Cullen ward on 21 November 2019 and it was won by the Conservative candidate Laura Powell.