Standing for election

Interested in becoming a councillor?

Being a councillor can be a very rewarding experience.

It gives you an opportunity to help your local community and be part of a dedicated team providing key services for your area.

It's a great way to gain political experience and useful skills in public speaking, debating and problem solving.

To be eligible you must be:

• A British Subject or a citizen of the Irish Republic or the EU and resident in the UK
• At least 18 years of age on the day you are nominated
• Either on the Electoral Register for the council area in which you are seeking election, or have lived or worked in that council area for at least the last 12 months

If you are interested in standing as a candidate, there are some resources below to find out if you are eligible to stand and help you decide:

• Be a councillor (local.gov.uk)
• Standing as a district council candidate (electoralcommission.org.uk)
• Standing as a parish council candidate (electoralcommission.org.uk)
• Parish councils in the North West Leicestershire -area (leicestershireandrutlandalc.gov.uk)

Do I have the time?

It is possible to spend much of your time on council business - but the vast majority of councillors have full time jobs, families and hobbies.

Unless you take on the responsibility as a Cabinet Member or Chairman/Vice-Chairman of a committee, your work at the council shouldn't involve more than a few meetings a month depending on the number of panels/ groups/ committees you sit on.

Councillor attendance at meetings is published.

What qualifications do I need?

The main qualifications are an interest in your community and a willingness to learn. Knowledge, experience and confidence will follow. Training is also provided.

Do councillors get paid?

District Councillors will be paid a basic allowance and, where applicable, a special responsibility allowance. Details of these can be found in the Members Allowance Scheme in the council's constitution.

Parish Councillors are not paid.

What should I do if I'm interested?

Most councillors are elected as representatives of a political party - although some stand as independents.

Get in touch with the agent or secretary of your favoured party in your local area - or alternatively contact the elections office on 01530 454512 or e-mail electreg@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

How to get nominated

District Elections

Each candidate must be nominated by a separate nomination paper, signed by a proposer and seconder who are registered electors of the ward in which you are to stand.

If you are standing as a Candidate for a registered political party you are also required to submit a certificate from the Party’s Nominating Officer, authorising your candidacy and use of the Party’s descriptions and emblem.

If you are standing as an Independent you can only describe yourself as “Independent” or give no description at all.

You must also give your consent to your nomination in writing.

All these documents must be submitted to the Returning Officer by 4pm, 19 working days before polling day.

No deposit is required to stand as a District Councillor.

Nomination packs are available from the Elections Office prior to the Election, or from the Electoral Commission website.

Parish Council Elections

Each candidate must be nominated by a separate nomination paper, signed by a proposer and a seconder who are registered electors in the Parish or Parish Ward in which you are to stand.

You must give your consent to your nomination in writing.

All these documents must be submitted to the Returning Officer by noon, 19 working days before polling day.

No deposit is required to stand as a Parish Councillor.

Nomination packs are available from the Elections Office prior to the Election, or from the Electoral Commission website.