The local councillor and party group loyalty
By: COPUS, Colin
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ArticlePublisher: UK : Policy Press, july. 1999Subject(s): ChinaPolicy & Politics 27, 3, p. 309-324Abstract: The political party group, that coherent and disciplined body of councillors acting under the same political label within the council chamber, has long been an important influence within British local government. The party group brings form and substance to the activities of political colleagues; it is the private venue where councillors conduct representation, and make decisions, binding councillors in their public activities. This article examines the factors responsible for British councillors' willingness to give the group their loyalty. It questions assumptions that group disciplinary mechanisms are the only reason why councillors act in a coherent fashion within the council chamber. Such arguments underestimate the ability of the party group to command the loyalty of its members and to exert a powerful influence over the processes of local representation
The political party group, that coherent and disciplined body of councillors acting under the same political label within the council chamber, has long been an important influence within British local government. The party group brings form and substance to the activities of political colleagues; it is the private venue where councillors conduct representation, and make decisions, binding councillors in their public activities. This article examines the factors responsible for British councillors' willingness to give the group their loyalty. It questions assumptions that group disciplinary mechanisms are the only reason why councillors act in a coherent fashion within the council chamber. Such arguments underestimate the ability of the party group to command the loyalty of its members and to exert a powerful influence over the processes of local representation
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