This thesis is concerned with the experiences of women elected to local government office in England, and is based on qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data is made-up of face-to-face interviews with thirty-five female local councillors from seven local councils in England. Quantitative data took the form of a postal questionnaire which was sent to over 800 male and female councillors, 71 % of whom responded. The two main themes which this thesis explores are barriers to women's full integration into local government, and orientations to political office and to feminism.