Diluting the Role of Party Groups? Implications of the 2006 Local Government White Paper

Abstract

This paper argues that the proposals for strengthening local political leadership outlined in the 2006 British government White Paper ‘Strong and Prosperous Communities’ are based on an unconvincing, methodologically flawed analysis of the benefits of strong individual leadership. The extent to which the continued dominance of the party group is inimical to the exercise of executive political leadership is analysed and a number of scenarios that highlight circumstances in which there is a mismatch between the party allegiance of the leader and the composition of the council are then put forward and the implications for ‘strong’ political leadership discussed. The conclusion emphasises the importance of a continuing role for local parties and party groups in the post-White Paper era.

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