Durham City Council elections were generally held every four years between the reforms of 1974 and the council's abolition in 2009.
On 1 April 2009 the council's functions passed to Durham County Council, which became a unitary authority.
Under the Local Government Act 1972 it had its territory enlarged and became a non-metropolitan district.
[1][2][3][4] The first election to the reconstituted city council was held in 1973, initially operating as a shadow authority before coming into its revised powers on 1 April 1974.
Political control of the council from 1973 until its abolition in 2009 was held by the following parties:[5] The leaders of the council from 2003 until its abolition in 2009 were:[6] The following is an incomplete list of by-elections to Durham City Council.