The recruitment of representatives in British local government: pathways and barriers

The classical model of political recruitment formulated in the United States is re-examined in the light of British evidence on the recruitment of local elected representatives. Drawing together survey evidence from the last 30 years, this article reviews the key components of motivations, resources and opportunities. A complementary focus on pathways and barriers to office highlights the importance of political party politics in the British context. Examination of the evidence shows that while parties provide an important pathway to political participation, they also act as a barrier to recruitment to council services.