Who wants to be a councillor?

The challenge to engage communities in local democracy is as important as ever and a new campaign is aiming to ensure London's 2010 local elections reflect the true extent of talent in London. Laura Compton reports

Why would anybody want to be a councillor?

For Cllr Anjana Patel, as for so many of her colleagues in town halls across the capital, the motivation to step up to the plate and stand for election was a desire to make a difference.

"During the course of my professional career as a banker I realised that a lot of good things can be done if committed professionals play an active role in public life. I got involved because I wanted the system to work better - for me and the many that would come after me."

Today, six years on from her first election, Cllr Patel is both portfolio holder for schools and children's development in her own borough of Harrow and lead member for equalities at London Councils. And it's in that role that she's heading up a new campaign to help get even more Londoners thinking about becoming a councillor in the 2010 local elections.