Throughout 2016 and early 2017 the De Montfort University Local Government Research Unit and The MJ Councillor Commission listened to what councillors had to say about the ever-changing nature of their work and the challenges they faced in governing their areas.

The commission built on the findings of the Communities and Local Government Committee's Councillors on the frontline report to focus on what it is councillors wanted Westminster, Whitehall, the media and the public to understand about their roles. The commissioners were drawn from a range of local government backgrounds and their understanding of the work of the councillor was invaluable in conducting the research, drafting the final report and developing recommendations.