Become a councillor

To become a councillor you need to follow these few steps.

Decide how you want to stand

You can stand for one of the political parties/group or as an independent. Candidate or agent information (electoralcommission.org.uk)

Get officially nominated

Request your nomination paper

Nomination papers will be available from the electoral services office.

Get nominated

To stand as a councillor in the borough election:

• 10 people, who are electors in the ward you want to stand, must sign your nomination paper

To stand as a councillor in the parish election:

• Two people, who are electors in the parish you want to stand, must sign your nomination paper

Consent to your nomination

Give consent in writing to your nomination.

Return your nomination papers

Submit all paperwork to the Electoral Services Manager 19 working days before election day.

Who can stand?

To stand as a councillor you must be: 

• British, or a Citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union 
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

You cannot become a councillor if you:

• Work for the council or for another local authority in a politically restricted post
• Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order 
• Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (included suspended sentences) during the five years before election day 
• Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court 

Further information

Find further information on how to take part and become a councillor (GOV.UK)

Last updated: 30/06/2022 10:43