In defence of councillors is an unashamed defence of local representative democracy and of those elected to serve as councillors from the often ill-informed, ill-judged and inaccurate criticism made by the media, government and public, of councillors' personal, political and professional roles. By using qualitative research from a number of related projects, the book examines the roles, functions and responsibilities of councillors and the expectations placed upon them by citizens, communities and government. It also examines the impact council membership has on other facets of the councillor's life. The book examines how councillors develop strategies to overcome the constraints and restrictions on their office so as to be able to govern their communities, balance their political and public life and democratise and hold to account a vast array of unelected bodies that spend public money and develop public policy without the electoral mandate and legitimacy held by our councillors.

Colin Copus

1. The constancy of change
2. Re-appraising and re-thinking the Office of Councillor
3. Councillors and RealLokalPolitik
4. Councillors: bringing order to chaos
5. Why seek to serve?
6. A 24 hour a day job: when worlds collide
7. Official mind and public image
8. New directions and new purposes
Conclusion: Councillors, hope for the future?
Index