Become a Councillor

Becoming a councillor is a most rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to help your local community and be part of a dedicated team providing key services for your area.
Being a councillor is a great way to gain political experience and useful skills in public speaking, debating and problem solving.
New councillors are good news. They mean fresh ideas and fresh enthusiasm, and that is good news for your council.

To be eligible you must be:
- A British subject or a citizen of the Irish Republic or the EU and resident in the UK.
- At least eighteen years old on the day you are nominated.
- Either on the electoral register for the council area in which you are seeking election, or have lived or worked in that council area for at least the last twelve months.
If you are interested in more information on becoming one of the below:-

• County Councillors

• Melton Mowbray Councillors

• Rutland Councillors

• Harborough Councillors

Please contact us via email rutmel@tiscali.co.uk

Do I have the time?

It is possible to spend much of your time on council work but the vast majority of councillors have full time jobs, families and hobbies.

Unless you take on responsibility as a Cabinet member or a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a committee, your work at the Town Hall should not involve more than a few meetings a month (although this depends on the number of committees/panels you serve on).

In addition to this, the Conservative Group will have private meetings from time to time and you will have meetings to attend in your ward or division.

How much do I need To know?

You are not going to be expected to take direct responsibility for running the council on the first day you are elected. The main qualifications are an interest in your community and a willingness to learn. Knowledge, experience and confidence will soon follow.

You will receive support from your local Conservative Association, your council colleagues and the Party. Most local authorities provide training and IT support. Council officers are there to help you, they are professionally trained staff who are employed to carry out the lawful functions and duties of a council. Many council groups employ a political assistant or researcher.

Can I afford it?

Councils pay a basic allowance that varies depending on the type and size of the council.

Councils may also pay some telephone and computer charges and provide you with the necessary stationery.

What should I do if I am interested?

Get in touch with the agent or organising secretary of your local Conservative Association using the left-hand menu link.

Talk to a sitting Conservative councillor in your area, to better understand the work of a councillor and the commitment involved.

Conservative Councillors’ Association

The Conservative Councillors’ Association offers training to councillors and produces 'A Guide to Becoming a Conservative Councillor'.

Before you are elected you can become an Associate member of this organisation and benefit from weekly email briefings, our quarterly magazine, free training events and subsidised rates at our Conferences. To join now please call Rachel Peart on 020 7984 8144 or cca@conservatives.com