This article examines how party control affects public service performance.

• Policy-Seeking Model: Links traditional left/right divides to governmental outcomes.

• Instrumental Model: Suggests all parties aim to improve services regardless of ideology.

• Mixed Model Insight: Party competition levels change this relationship, particularly benefiting right-wing governance under high rivalry.

Analysis using UK local government panel data reveals a nuanced pattern: while right-leaning control correlates with better performance at certain intensity thresholds—especially in highly competitive environments—the traditional left/right dichotomy is more complex than previously thought. These findings suggest contemporary political economy models require revision.