The Widdicombe committee's survey of councillors' attitudes towards democracy provided an assessment of how councillors interpret the processes of local representation and their position as representatives. Taking some of Widdicombe's research findings, this article compares it with the results of more recent research into councillors' attitudes. It explores how councillor's view the prospect of enhanced citizen participation in council affairs as an integral part of the local government modernisation agenda. The approach councillors take toward the business of local representation plays an important part in enabling local government to connect, or otherwise, with local communities and indicates the likely success or failure of moves to encourage greater public participation in local government.
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