For the second consecutive election, the Conservatives were returned as the largest party with 16 seats but remained shy of an overall majority.

The Labour–SNP coalition administration retained control of the council with support from two independents and Lib Dem councillor Richard Brodie.

At the previous election in 2017, the Conservatives gained two seats to hold 16 and replaced Labour as the largest party on the council.

Labour lost four seats and the Scottish National Party (SNP) gained one as both returned 11 councillors.

Each ward elected either 3 or 4 members, using the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system – a form of proportional representation – where candidates are ranked in order of preference.

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

In October 2022, Labour councillor Sandy Whitelaw resigned, triggering a by-election in Ward 2 - Mid Galloway and Wigtown West, which was held on 8 December 2022.