In this paper the elastic post-buckling behaviour of plates under non-uniform compressive edge stress is investigated. The compatibility differential equations is first solved analytically and then an approximate solution of the equilibrium equation is obtained using the Galerkin method. Explicit expressions are derived for the load-deflection, ultimate strength and membrane stress distributions. Analytical effective width formulations, based on the characteristics of the stress field of the buckled plate, are proposed for this general loading condition. The predicted load-deflection expression is compared with independent test results. Results are also presented detailing the load-deflection behaviour and stress distribution for various aspect ratios.