1986 Cheltenham Borough Council election

The 1986 Cheltenham Council election took place on 8 May 1986 to elect members of Cheltenham Borough Council in Gloucestershire, England. One third of the council was up for election. The SDP–Liberal Alliance made gains but fell one seat short of a majority, meaning the council stayed in no overall control.

After the election, the composition of the council was
 * SDP–Liberal Alliance 16
 * Conservative 11
 * Residents Associations 4
 * Labour 2