The town of Dudley had been a seigneurial borough from the thirteenth century, under the control of the lord of the manor.

[2] More modern forms of local government for the town began in 1791 when a body of improvement commissioners was established to pave, light and clean the streets, and supply water.

[7][8] The County Borough of Dudley was enlarged on several occasions, notably in 1966 when it absorbed the majority of the abolished urban districts of Brierley Hill, Coseley and Sedgeley, alongside boundary adjustments with several other neighbours.

The enlarged district was named Dudley, and the borough status previously held by the county borough passed to the new district on its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor, continuing Dudley's series of mayors dating back to at least the sixteenth century.

[17][18][19] Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council provides both county-level and district-level services, with some functions across the West Midlands provided via joint committees with the other West Midlands authorities, overseen by the combined authority and mayor.

[24] Following the election, after a week of negotiation it was announced that Patrick Harley would remain leader of the council while Labour would be in charge of the majority of scrutiny committee chairmanships and the mayoralty.

[28] The main customer services reception is in a converted shop in the town centre at 259 Castle Street.

[33] Following the 2023 review of constituencies and the July 2024 UK general election, the members of parliament for constituencies within Dudley MBC area are: The Mayor presides over meetings of the full Council to ensure that business is carried out properly and efficiently, with due regard to the rights of Councillors and the interest of the Community.

The Civic Awards aim to recognise individuals and groups who make a difference in the borough.

Key themes on the civic arms reflect the area's pride in its industrial past.