[6] Since 2007 elections have been held every five years under the single transferable vote system, introduced by the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004.

Election results since 1995 have been as follows:[4] The council is based at the West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston.

The building was built in 2009 at a cost of £50 million to serve as a police headquarters and courthouse as well as offices for the council.

It works closely with other public bodies such as police, fire and health, through its community planning partnership.

West Lothian Council operates country parks at Beecraigs, Polkemmet, and Almondell & Calderwood.