The article discusses how local government has changed over the past 20 years due to shifts in politics and the economy. It explores the impact of the decline of consensus politics on local government, focusing on issues that have become more important since the 1980s. The study identifies a revolution in local government, examining changes in structure, relationships between councillors and officers, management practices, and interactions with the public. Key findings include the rise of competitive tendering and the need for local authorities to adapt to new ways of operating.