[1] Whilst under Labour control solidly since 1973, the political composition of Sunderland City Council has fluctuated over the years as the Conservatives, SDP-Liberal Alliance, and Independents gained seats from the Labour Party.
Until 2019, only Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Independents (including Independent Labour) had ever won seats on Sunderland City Council.
The table below gives an impression of the council's composition based on local election results.
[3] Sunderland's Council area comprises 25 wards, each electing three councillors.
[5] At the time of resignation, incumbent Keith Jenkins was an independent.