Barry was incorporated as a municipal borough in September 1939, succeeding the Barry Urban District Council which had existed between 1894 and 1939. Local government reform in 1974 saw its function taken over by the Vale of Glamorgan District Council and South Glamorgan County Council. In 1996, the Vale of Glamorgan council was created. Control of the council has variously been held by Labour, the Conservatives, and no overall control.