Dartford Borough Council is elected every four years.
Labour 1973 - 1983
Conservative 1983 - 1995
Labour 1995 - 2003
No overall control 2003 - 2007
Conservative 2007 - present
This election was scheduled as part of the council elections of 1 May 2003. It was delayed following the death of Bob Dunn (who was standing for re-election), just one week before the ballot.
The by-election was held following the resignation of Conservative Cllr Gary Reynolds.
The by-election resulted from the death of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association Cllr Leslie Bobby.