Be a Councillor: Next steps guide

Have you started exploring the possibility of becoming a councillor in your local area? Our next steps guide provides information about what you can do to start the process of standing for election and other top tips. Visit the Becoming a Councillor page or read our case studies to find out more about the role of a councillor.

Introduction

The Local Government Association believes it is crucial that people from all backgrounds, and with a range of different life experiences, have the opportunity to take up the role of a councillor. You don’t need any special qualifications. Your skills, passion and commitment to communities are vital, and it’s important that councillors reflect the local population. If you’re interested in becoming a councillor, find out about the next steps below. 

1. Find out when your next local elections are

Find out when your next local government elections are by checking your local council website or contacting the Democratic Services or Electoral Services team at your council. You can check which council you come under on the gov.uk 'Find My Council' page. Make sure you are registered on the electoral roll by contacting the Electoral Services team.  

Don’t be discouraged if the next elections are a long way away – there is plenty to do and learn on the journey to becoming a councillor. Starting early will help you to understand the processes of standing for election and learn more about local government so you can hit the ground running if elected.    

2. Decide whether to stand for a party or as an independent candidate

To stand for a political party, you’ll need to be a member of the party, get involved with the party locally and go through their selection process to be put forward as their candidate for election. You can find out more on each party’s website. Depending on which party you are interested in, this can take up to a year, so please contact your political party as soon as you can to start getting involved.   

If you are interested in becoming an independent candidate (not in a political party), you can get resources and advice from the Local Government Association’s Independent Office and their Be a Councillor resources. As an independent, you will also need to start working out your views on local issues and services.  

3. Find out more about being a councillor

There are a number of ways to find out more about the role of a councillor, and it is important to understand what the day-to-day will look like if you are elected. Here are some ideas to get started: 

  • Have an informal chat with an existing councillor to find out more about the role. You could also ask to shadow them for a day.
  • Read the guidance on the Electoral Commission website to find out more about standing as a candidate.
  • Ask your local Democratic Services team for more information about member induction and how they can support newly elected councillors.
  • Get involved with organisations that provide support to underrepresented groups. The LGA works with a consortium of partner organisations led by Elect Her, and you can keep an eye on our Events page for further updates.
  • Find out more about the LGA’s support for councillors once you are elected, including training and leadership programmes. 

 

Standing for election and serving as a councillor is a responsibility, a privilege and highly fulfilling. However, we are aware that councillors and candidates can be subjected to abuse, intimidation and harassment, especially on social media. You can find support through the following avenues:  

  • Other councillors and candidates
  • Political groups and parties
  • Your local authority and the Local Government Association.

The LGA has a guide with steps that individuals and organisations can take to protect yourself as a person in a public position, and how to respond should an incident occur: read our Guide to Handling Intimidation.    

4. Speak to your employer about becoming a councillor

Use our Employer Guide to speak to your employer about becoming a councillor. This can help to guide conversations about what the role of a councillor is, the time commitment required, and the transferable skills you will gain. It also sets out expectations from both an employer and employee perspective. 

5. Complete your nomination papers

To become nominated as a candidate you usually need to submit a completed set of nomination papers to your council by 4.00pm on the 19th working day before the election. However, please contact the Democratic Services team at your council to get the necessary paperwork, confirm the deadlines, and find out what help they can give you to submit your papers correctly.  

You will need to get the signature of two registered electors from the ward you wish to stand in. They must be of voting age and must appear on the local government electoral register.  

If successfully nominated, you will be provided with a nomination pack from your local authority which outlines next stages and steps. Typically, you will be expected to campaign in your local area to encourage local residents to vote for you. This will involve the preparation and printing of materials which you can hand out to those you encounter during your campaign trail. Make sure to read the Electoral Commission’s guidance on campaigning. 

6. Additional steps you may want to consider