The Westcourt by-election in October 2019 was triggered by the death of Labour councillor Ruth Martin.

[21][22] The Westcourt by-election in May 2021 had been triggered by the death of Labour councillor Colin Caller.

He had died in February 2020 but no by-election could be held earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[23][22][24] Following this by-election Labour had 22 of the council's 44 seats, putting it under no overall control.

In February 2023, independent councillor Leslie Pearton joined the Conservatives.