Who can Become a Councillor

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population.

To be a councillor you need to be:  

• British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however the criteria has changed now that the UK has 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. (District and Parish)
• Lived within 3 miles of the Parish area during the 12 months before an election (Parish only)

You can’t be a 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

Please read the full eligibility criteria from the Electoral Commission. If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should seek your own legal advice.