Briggs, Jacqui creator text xu| 2000 continuing ng p.71-84 Based upon in-depth interviews with female councillors from Hull, England and from Montreal, Canada, this article seeks to address the motivations, expectations and experiences of female local councillors. It examines what galvanised these women into political activity, whether or not they encountered any difficulties in their quest to become a councillor and, once elected, how they operate. The key aspects identified by this research include, firstly, the obstacles faced by females in their quest to become local councillors; secondly, the benefits/necessity of having a supportive partner and, thirdly, the concept of the `dual calibre of councillor', that is, the community representative and the local politico. - Reproduced Women in politics - Great Britain Women in politics - Canada Women in politics Local Government Studies 180718