Since its creation in 1974, Tameside has always been under Labour control, aside from 1978 to 1982 when the Conservatives held a majority.[2] In the most recent election in 2021, Labour lost one seat to the Conservatives, but increased their vote share by 4.6%, winning a total of 16 seats, with the Conservatives gaining 10.7% and winning 3 seats. The Green Party of England and Wales did not gain any seats, despite winning their first seat in 2019.[3]
The positions up for election in 2021 were last elected in 2018. In that election, Labour achieved 53.8% of the vote, and won 17 seats with 1 gained from the Conservatives, while the Conservatives won 2 with 1 gain from Labour.[4]