The town of Walsall had been a borough from medieval times, which was reformed on numerous occasions.

The town's claim to be a borough was not supported by a charter, leading to disputes with the lord of the manor.

[7] The metropolitan district was awarded borough status from its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor, continuing Walsall's series of mayors dating back to the fourteenth century.

The combined authority provides strategic leadership and co-ordination for certain functions across the county, but Walsall Council continues to be responsible for most local government functions.

Some strategic functions in the area are provided by the West Midlands Combined Authority; the council appoints two of its councillors to sit on the board of the combined authority as Walsall's representatives.

Political control of the council since 1974 has been as follows:[15][16] The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Walsall.

The leaders since 2004 have been:[17] Following the 2024 election and subsequent changes of allegiance later in May 2024, the composition of the council was:[23] Eight of the independent councillors sit together as a group.