Becoming a Councillor

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Could you become a Councillor?

Am I Eligible To Stand For My Council? To stand for your council you must be a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a Member State of the European Union; be at least twenty-one years old on the day you are nominated; and either: Be a local government elector for the area of your local authority on the day you are nominated and thereafter; or Have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the area of the local authority during the whole of the twelve months preceding both the day on which you are nominated and polling day; or Have your principal or only place of work in the area of the local authority for the twelve months preceding both the day on which you are nominated and polling day; or Have resided in the area of the local authority during the whole of the twelve months preceding both the day on which you are nominated and polling day. Do I Have The Time? It is possible to spend all of your time on council work but the vast majority of councillors have jobs and/or other interests. Unless you take on responsibility as a Cabinet member or a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a committee, your work at the Town Hall should not involve more than a few meetings a month (although this depends on the number of committees/panels you serve on). In addition to this, the Conservative Group will have private meetings from time to time and you will have meetings to attend in your ward or division. How Much Do I Need To Know? You are not going to be expected to take direct responsibility for running the Council on the first day you are elected. The main qualifications are an interest in your community and a willingness to learn. What should I do if I am interested? Get in touch with your local Conservative Association. Click here for contact details.