This lecture will introduce the speakers’ upcoming RSLC volume, Realities of Reorganisation: Manchester City Labour Group’s Experience of Reformed Local Government, 1973–1977, which reproduces manuscript minutes of meetings held by Manchester City Labour party councillors in the early years of their council after its reorganisation following the Local Government Act, 1972. The lecture will consider a number of illustrative case studies, ranging from housing maintenance, concession management at Manchester Airport and reciprocal exchanges with Manchester's 'twin' city, Leningrad, to demonstrate the breadth of local authority activity, and the multifaceted political culture of the Manchester Labour party during the supposed 'gloom' of 1970s Britain.