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 at least 18 years old.
• 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.
• Meet at least one of the following four qualifications:
  • You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish in which you wish to stand 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 whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.
  • Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination and the day of election has been in the parish area.
  • You have lived in the parish area or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.

You can find more information and resources on the Electoral Commission website.

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.

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