One third of the council was up for election, with each successful candidate to serve a four-year term of office, expiring in 2002. A vacancy each in Ardwick and Harpurhey were also being contested.
A portion of the council's members were up for re-election, with those who won to be appointed for a four-year period, set to conclude in 2002. Additionally, vacancies in Ardwick and Harpurhey were also subject to competition.