This was an important poll, too. For next year, when there will be Euro elections, there is no council ballot taking place.
So the line-up confirmed by the votes this time is the one that will govern the district for the next two years.
And that presents a fantastic opportunity to the current crop of councillors. They will not be having to look over their shoulders for fear of the chop next May.
It is a time for bold leadership. We have already seen there is a new sense of purpose among the top officials in the authority.
Their can-do attitude is starting to get jobs done. Now council members themselves must get in on the act.
At the least they must encourage and allow their officers to crack on and achieve. Ideally, though, the councillors will be at the front, coming up with new initiatives that will
really drive the district forward.
The next two years offer a window of opportunity the council must seize. We need good policies on transport, regeneration and education and we need to see them through.
We understand the pressure on local politicians. The ballot box can be an inspiration but it can also be a deterrent to progress.
Well, the parties do not have any threat hanging over them for some time now.
There is a great chance to be creative and make this a special time to develop Calderdale.
It must not be wasted.