[4] A subsequent charter issued by King John in 1207 granted the borough the right to appoint a mayor.

[6] Cambridge was granted city status on 21 March 1951 in recognition of its history, administrative importance, and economic success, allowing the council to call itself Cambridge City Council.

[7] The Local Government Act 1972 reconstituted Cambridge as a non-metropolitan district with effect from 1 April 1974; it kept the same boundaries and its city status, but there were changes to the council's responsibilities.

[8] The city of Cambridge is completely encircled by the neighbouring district of South Cambridgeshire.

Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms took effect has been as follows:[13] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Cambridge.

The wards are:[16][17] The council meets at the Guildhall, on the south side of Market Square in the centre of Cambridge.