Colin Rallings is a Reader in Electoral Politics., Michael Thrasher is a Reader in Public Policy. Both are at the Local Government Chronicle Elections Centre, University of Plymouth.

'A genuinely path-breaking book - the first ever comprehensive book-length study of local elections in Britain ... The book is certainly a 'must read' for all with a serious interest in British Elections' - David Denver, PSA (EPOP) Newsletter'Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher over the years have made a major contribution to the study of local government ... This is the first comprehensive work on local elections in Britain.' - John Stewart, Local Government Studies

• Acknowledgements; 1. Local Elections - A Case of Mystery, Intrigue and Neglect; 2. The evolution of Local Democracy; 3. The Local Electoral System; 4. Turnout in Local Elections; 5. Contestation, Candidates and Incumbency; 6. Party Competition in Local Elections; 7. Votes, Seats and Local Electoral Outcomes; 8. Major Parties and Local Elections; 9. Minor Parites and Local Elections; 10. Local Elections and National Politics; 11. Local By-elections - Parochial Contests or National Electoral Indicators; 12. Local Elections and Representations; 13. Conclusions; Bibliography