How to become a Councillor

Are you interested in helping in your local community? Do you ever wish you could influence the way things are done in your area? Have you ever thought about becoming a councillor?

What is a Councillor?

A councillor is someone who is elected by local people to represent them on a council. You can be elected to be a parish councillor or a member of Cheshire West and Chester Council. Councillors are elected for a four year term.  If councillors are elected at a by-election, they will serve until the next scheduled elections take place.

So what do councillors do?

Each kind of council provides a different set of services to its local area.  Councillors therefore usually need to attend formal meetings from time to time. All councillors also deal with the issues and problems brought to them by their constituents. They are also likely to spend time getting to know other organisations and services in their area, and may be appointed by their council as representatives on some of those local bodies. Find out more about what a Cheshire West and Chester Councillor does.

How much time will it take?

It depends on how much time, effort and commitment individuals are able to give to the role. The minimum is likely to be the equivalent of one day per week although some councillors spend considerably more, especially if they have taken on leading roles.

Will I get paid?

You will not get a salary but you will be entitled to receive allowances. The Council also provides other kinds of support such as full training, supplies of stationery and business cards and access to an IT equipment.

Do I get time off work?

This depends on your employer. Some employers are good at encouraging their employees to be councillors and do allow time off within reason. You should always discuss this with your employer before standing as a councillor.

Do I have to be a member of a political party?

No, you don't. You do not have to be identified with a particular political party although it is true that most councillors are. Cheshire West and Chester is currently represented by councillors from the Conservative, Independent, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties. You do not have to stand as a member of a political party, you can stand as an independent candidate.

So how do I become a councillor?

To become a councillor, you must stand for, and win, an election in one of the council's wards.

If you wish to stand for election you must be:

• A British Citizen, a citizen of the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland or of another European Union State;
• 18 years of age; and
• included on the Register of Electors for the area or be someone who has either lived or worked in the county for the 12 months preceding the election.

You need to be nominated to stand as a candidate at the election by:

• two electors of the electoral ward (as your proposer and seconder) and
• eight other electors (supporting your nomination).

Remember You do not have to stand as a member of a political party, you can stand as an independent candidate.