[5] The final election took place in 2007, with councillors staying in office until the abolition of the council in 2009.

[7] Gains by the Conservatives in 1976 meant that the council was under no control, although independents remained the largest group.

[9] In 1995 there was a large swing against the unpopular government of John Major, and the Labour Party gained 17 seats to achieve parity with the Conservatives.

[11] † New ward boundaries In 2006 the Department for Communities and Local Government considered reorganising Bedfordshire's administrative structure as part of the 2009 structural changes to local government in England.

The new council was formed on 1 April 2009 although its initial members were not elected until 4 June 2009.