The metropolitan district of Wirral and its council were created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972.

The other three districts had been lower-tier authorities with Cheshire County Council providing county-level services.

[7] The new Wirral district was awarded borough status from its creation, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.

They represent the borough at civic functions, support local charities and chair council meetings.

They are expected to be politically impartial whilst they hold the post, although they do get a casting vote in the event of a tie.

Prior to 2023 the council met at Wallasey Town Hall and had additional offices at the Cheshire Lines Committee building on Canning Street in Birkenhead.