Prior to 1974, Cardiff had traditionally been a Conservative Party stronghold, but the city council's first administration in 1974 had a Labour Party majority, reflecting the changing social composition of the city.

Control of the council changed regularly during its existence, between Labour, Conservative and a period from 1987 to 1991 when no party had a majority.

[5] Dunleavy was a driving force behind the creation of St David's Hall, the Cardiff Ice Rink and other initiatives.

[5] Councillor Ron Watkiss was Conservative leader of the council during their majority administration, which ended in May 1987.

Described as a Labour 'traditionalist', in 1994 he was ousted by Sue Essex of the 'new urban left', who had been promoting a green agenda in Cardiff through the 1990s.