Since the first election to the council in 1973 political control of the council has been held by the following parties:
Non-metropolitan district
Unitary authority
Portsmouth City Council election, 1973Portsmouth City Council election, 1976Portsmouth City Council election, 1979Portsmouth City Council election, 1983 (New ward boundaries)Portsmouth City Council election, 1984Portsmouth City Council election, 1986Portsmouth City Council election, 1987Portsmouth City Council election, 1988Portsmouth City Council election, 1990Portsmouth City Council election, 1991Portsmouth City Council election, 1992Portsmouth City Council election, 1994Portsmouth City Council election, 1995Portsmouth City Council election, 1996Portsmouth City Council election, 1998Portsmouth City Council election, 1999Portsmouth City Council election, 2000Portsmouth City Council election, 2002 (New ward boundaries increased the number of seats by 3)Portsmouth City Council election, 2003Portsmouth City Council election, 2004Portsmouth City Council election, 2006Portsmouth City Council election, 2007Portsmouth City Council election, 2008Portsmouth City Council election, 2010Portsmouth City Council election, 2011Portsmouth City Council election, 2012Portsmouth City Council election, 2014Portsmouth City Council election, 2015
