[10] The first election to the modern council was held in 1995, initially operating as a shadow authority before coming into its powers on 1 April 1996.

Its leader Jamie Adams blamed the poor performance at that election on the IPPG's close connections to the council's discredited former chief executive.

The leader of the council, Jon Harvey, is one of the non-affiliated independent councillors, and positions of responsibility in the council's cabinet are held by other non-affiliated independents and members of the Labour and Plaid Cymru groups.

The original county council generally held its meetings at the Shire Hall at 47 High Street, Haverfordwest.

[24] In 1923 the council acquired the former Pembrokeshire and Haverfordwest Infirmary at the corner of St Thomas Green and Winch Lane, which had been built in 1872, converting it to become their main offices.

It was decided shortly after the new council's creation to build a new headquarters adjoining Cambria House.

The new County Hall was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 22 November 2001.