The district was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, by a merger of two former districts which were both abolished at the same time, these were:[2]
The new district was initially named Nuneaton, after its largest town.[3] Nuneaton's borough status, which it had held since 1907,[4] was transferred to the enlarged district, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.[5] Following a campaign from Bedworth residents the borough's name was changed to "Nuneaton and Bedworth" with effect from 1 October 1980.[6][7]
The council has been under Labour majority control since the 2024 election.[12]
Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms has been as follows:[13][14]
Leadership
The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Political leadership is provided instead by the leader of the council. The leaders since 1974 have been:[15]
Composition
Following the 2024 election the composition of the council was:[18]
The next election is due in 2026.
Elections
Since the last boundary changes in 2024 the council has comprised 38 councillors representing 19 wards, with each ward electing two councillors. Elections are held in alternate years, with half the council (one councillor for each ward) elected each time for a four-year term of office.[19]
Premises
The council is based at Nuneaton Town Hall on Coton Road in Nuneaton. The building was purpose-built for the old Nuneaton Borough Council and opened in 1934.[20]
Subdivisions
Nuneaton and Bedworth are divided into 19 wards, each represented by 2 councillors, giving a total of 38 councillors. The borough has no civil parishes.
^ a bUK Census (2021). "2021 Census Area Profile – Nuneaton and Bedworth Local Authority (E07000219)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
^"Nuneaton Urban District / Municipal Borough". A Vision of Britain through Time. GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
^Alteration of Areas and Status of Local Authorities 1 October 1980 to 1 April 1981 (PDF). London: Department of the Environment. 1981. p. 17. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
^"Bedworth Timeline". The Bedworth Society. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
^Harrison, Claire (16 May 2024). "New mayor and deputy make history at Nuneaton and Bedworth council". Coventry Live. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
^"New Chief Executive named". Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.