All boroughs and local authorities are divided into wards, led by democratically elected councillors who represent their local community. As a local council member you will be overseeing a ward and will be responsible for representing the people in your council ward; engaging with them and addressing any concerns/issues in the community. This role is high profile and requires strong leadership and engagement, as you will be the bridge between members of the community and the council.

 

Some of the responsibilities of a local councillor are:

• Representing the ward for which they are elected.

• Decision-making - developing and reviewing council policy.

• Scrutinising decisions taken by the councillors on the executive or cabinet.

• Regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory duties.

Criteria for councillor role:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union

• 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.

You can’t be a councillor if you:

• Work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a political 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.

 

If you are interested in becoming a local councillor, on behalf of Taking the initiative Party, register your interest today!