Whats Involved in Being a Councillor?
Getting Nominated To Stand for Election
Nomination packs are available from the Electoral Services Office at the start of the formal election period. To be nominated, you will need a 'proposer' - someone who will put your name forward as a candidate; a 'seconder' - someone who will back up the proposer; and eight 'assentors' - eight people who will agree to the proposal. These ten people must be registered electors of the ward in which you wish to stand as a candidate. (Note: for a parish or town council election, only a proposer and a seconder are required.) You must also complete a 'consent to nomination' form.
The notice of election will state the date by which the papers must be submitted to the Returning Officer. If you are a candidate for a registered political party, you must also have a certificate from that party authorising you to stand. You can either appoint an election agent to manage your election campaign or, alternatively, you can act as your own agent.
The election process, including what candidates may spend on their campaign, is set out in legislation and it is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that they comply with the law. The nomination pack will contain guidance for candidates.
The legislation relating to elections is very extensive. Candidates and election agents are advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions. The Returning Officer and his staff are available to give general advice to candidates and election agents and outline the legislation. However, they are not able to give detailed definitive advice on individual circumstances. In such matters, candidates and election agents should seek their own legal advice.