Becoming a councillor

Role of a councillor

Councillors are elected by local people to plan, run, monitor and develop council business. To do this they must work in partnership with others. Councillors work to improve the quality of life for people in the borough.

Councillors usually represent a political party. However, they may be independent. 

The role of councillor can be very varied and it is up to each individual councillor how they work.

The three main areas of responsibility are:

Representative

Many councillors see their primary role as representing their ward and the people who live there. To do this they deal with constituent enquiries, campaign on local issues and take into account local views when considering policy proposals and in decision-making. They also ensure local people are informed about decisions that affect them.

Community leader

Councillors exercise community leadership by participating in the activities of any outside body to which they are appointed and reporting back to the council.

Policy maker

All councillors are involved in decision making. This can be as a member of the council, the Executive or a committee.

How to become a councillor

To qualify as a councillor you need to be:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union. The criteria has changed since the UK left the European Union. Please check on the GOV.UK website for advice about EU citizens' voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
• 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 can be disqualified from holding the office of councillor if you:

• Work for the council you want to be a councillor for. You can work for another local authority as long as you are not 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 (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day.
• Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.
• Are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

Standing for election

In order to stand for elections, a candidate must submit a nomination paper signed by ten electors for the electoral ward together with consent to nomination, by the statutory deadline. Additional requirements apply if you wish to stand on behalf of a registered political party.

Nomination papers and candidates' packs including details of qualifications and the electoral process are available from Electoral Services approximately two months before an election.

Employment

Most employers are prepared, within reason, to grant some time off for council work. You should discuss this with your employer before making the commitment.

Further information

For further impartial advice and information on becoming a councillor, visit the Local Government Association website.