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How to become a parish or town councillor

Parish and town councils' effectiveness, connectivity, and vitality hinge on the individuals chosen to lead them. We require capable, enthusiastic, and deeply engaged councillors to mirror their communities. There are three pathways to becoming a councillor: standing for election, co-option (filling a vacant seat post-election), or filling a casual vacancy (occurs when an elected member ceases to be an elected member as a result of, for example, their death, resignation, becoming disqualified, or being no longer qualified to remain elected).

Six simple steps to becoming a councillor

  1. Check for elections in your area or by emailing the elections officer.
  2. Submit your nomination to the returning officer — learn more about the process.
  3. Wait for your nomination to be accepted.
  4. Your nomination is made public by the principal authority.
  5. Start your election campaign.
  6. Polling day — find your polling station.

Am I eligible to stand for election?

To be able to stand as a candidate at a parish or town council election, you must:

  • Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, a qualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Meet at least one of the following three qualifications:
    • You are and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish you wish to attend from the day of your nomination onwards.
    • You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area during the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of the election.
    • Your principal or only place of work during the 12 months before your nomination and the day of the election has been in the parish area.

What is the time commitment?

Our previous councillor surveys have found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. Parish or town council work often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups and bodies on behalf of the council.

Is there any training and support?

Councillors can receive training and support via their county association, which are a network of regional bodies for parish and town councils.

Make A Change

Our #MakeAChange campaign video encourages viewers to get involved with their parish and town councils by becoming councillors. It is part of our broader initiative to engage the community in local governance and improve representation. We want to inform and motivate citizens about the importance of participating in local politics to effect change in their communities.