Kedgley was involved with student politics and was a member of the Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association from 1967–1969. In 1971 she stood for the Auckland City Council as a Labour Party candidate. Before entering national politics, Kedgley served on the Wellington City Council (WCC) for 7 years and was the founder and co-convenor of the New Zealand Safe Food Campaign. While on the WCC, Kedgley held the roles of Chairperson, Consultation Committee, 1996–1998 and Chairperson, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, 1998–1999.