It consists of 36 councillors and is currently controlled by the Labour Party, led by Michael Jones.

[6][7] The urban district was reconstituted as a non-metropolitan district on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, gaining the parts of the parishes of Slaugham and Worth within the designated area for the new town, plus Gatwick Airport and adjoining areas from the Surrey parishes of Charlwood and Horley.

[8][9] The reformed district was awarded borough status at the same time, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.

County-level services are provided by West Sussex County Council.

[13] Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms has been as follows:[14][15] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Crawley.