Jim Roberts interviewed by Cynthia Brown, 1 July 2003

Gives brief family background, brief details of work dressing windows in various Leicester shops such as Morgan Squires. Mention of political awareness when working in Bahamas in 1969, trying to find further education, job at Museums Studies Department at Leicester University, 1972. Talks about involvement with local politics, starting at Enderby Labour Party branch, gaining election for Belgrave Ward, 1981. Thumbnail portrait of Belgrave at the time. Describes work on Leicestershire County Council's (LCC) Employment Sub-Committee, work on Libraries and Museums Committee & Education Arts Committee, move to Stoneygate Ward, 1985. Describes policy towards residential care of children when Chair of Social Services Committee (SSC); highlights Equal Opportunities policy at LCC, also at Council of Museums Association. Mentions work with Yorkshire Museums Council on local government reorganisation, reflects on political achievements, time on SSC. Talks about effect on social services of return of Rutland to county status. Talks about local government reorganisation of 1997, effect on arts & museums, relief at no longer being involved. Mentions trade mission to Gujurat, Leicester's links with Saarland in Germany & Kilkenny, Eire. Reflects on changes in workings of LCC, changes in workforce, regional identity. Mentions riot in Oakham, Rutland, by disaffected youth. Talks about women in local politics, mentioning notable Labour women in 1980s, support of wife. Reflects on politics, future of local museums, personal benefits of politcal career