Labour in the city had started incorporating more wealth building programs into their economic agenda to mitigate austerity in the city, similar to what is known as the "Preston model". The conservatives caused a controversy as they selected Josh Payne to contest Woolston, who shared the same surname as the incumbent Warwick Payne. Warwick Payne was concerned that people would mix them up on the ballot paper. Immediately ahead of this election, the composition of the council was:  After the election result, the composition of the council became: As the council is elected in thirds, one councillor for each of the 16 wards are elected each year. All comparisons in seats and swing are to the corresponding 2015 election. The statement of persons nominated was revealed 3 April 2019. A (*) by a councillor's name indicates that they were standing for re-election, The declaration of the results were posted on 3 May.