Become a councillor

To become a candidate, 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 (see The Electoral Commission: qualifications for more information):
  • you are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government voter for the local council area 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 local council 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 local council area
  • you have lived in the local council area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election

You cannot become a councillor if you:

• are employed by the local council or hold a paid office for the council (including joint boards or committees) - this may include work at certain schools, fire services, police or health services ​
• are subject of a Bankruptcy Restrictions Order (or interim restrictions order)​
• have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 3 months or more (including a suspended sentence) without option of a fine during the 5 years before polling day​
• are serving a disqualification due to being found guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court​
• hold a politically restricted post​
• are subject to the notification requirement of or under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003​

Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, you can stand in your own right.

Before you can be accepted as a candidate you must get one person to agree to propose your nomination and another person to agree to second the proposal. Both people must be on the electoral register for the Electoral Division in which you are standing. See Register to vote for more information.

The Electoral Commission is an independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament. It aims to encourage public confidence and participation by promoting integrity, involvement and effectiveness in the democratic process. You can get further information at:

• The Electoral Commission: resources for candidates and agents at local government elections in England
• Local Government Association: be a councillor
• Support for councillors