Considerations on the Social Background and Motivation of Councillors

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Abstract
The reorganization of British local government in 1974 brought ‘urban’ politics and an increase in partisanship to the shire countries. Formerly non-partisan areas have experienced the growth of party intervention and influence for the first time. Moreover, recent changes in the management structure of local government have increased the impact of party activity: thus the ‘one-pany’ policy committee; more ‘full-time’ members leading to a ‘backbench’ role for others; a vogue for the concept of mandate with officers seen as advisers to the majority party and other such developments are altering the political ground-rules. A much stronger political organization in many councils has underlined the distinctions between the leading members – the chairmen, group officers and others – who are often virtually full-time councillors, and those who are increasingly referred to as ‘back-benchers’. There have always been some whose influence has been high with other councillors, but it has never been so clear and formalized as it is now. The abolition of aldermen and the general increase in electoral volatility nationally and locally have added political uncertainty. These alternations have given impetus to the change of personnel caused by reorganized wards and council jurisdictions.

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