Local Councillors in Europe

Councillors are the essence of local representative democracy, linking ordinary citizens and decision-makers in municipal arenas. In cross-national perspective, and taking in countries from across Europe, this book analyses the recruitment patterns, career, party associations, role perceptions, and attitudes to democracy, representation, and participation of local councillors. Matters such as gender, parties, institutions, municipal reform, functions in governance networks, and councillor influence are considered using data collected in an international survey, covering some 12,000 members of the local political elite. Drawing on diverse and eclectic literature, the contributions in this volume comprise a comprehensive and revealing analysis of modern councillors. ContentLocal Councillors in Comparative Perspective.- Political Recruitment and Career Development of Local Councillors in Europe.- Councillors and their Parties.- The Roles Councillors Play.- Councillors and Democracy.- Who do the Local Councillors of Europe Represent?- Councillors, Participation, and Local Democracy.- Municipal Councillors as Interest Mediators.- European Mayors and Councillors - The gender gap among lo