Councillors and their parties

Abstract

Local government councillors are often perceived as the weakest link in the local government power triangle of mayor, elected councillors and senior bureaucrats. The power position of councillors in particular countries depends on their legal status and the amount of resources and administrative-professional support available to them. Nevertheless, it can also be substantially influenced by the role of party politics in their careers. Councillors can be members of national parties, running for these parties in local elections. Alternatively, they can run for local parties or lists, or run as independent candidates, the latter option viable particularly in majoritarian electoral systems, where councillors represent electoral wards.