Be a councillor

Becoming a councillor offers you the opportunity to represent your community on the issues which matter to them. They speak up for the users of local services, help shape future services and make decisions on things which affect residents.

How can I become a councillor?

To become a councillor you must stand for, and win, an election in one of the council's wards.

Elections for all the seats on the district council are held every four years. Sometimes an individual seat in a ward becomes vacant.  Details of any vacancies are published on our Councillor Vacancies and By-elections page as they occur.

Although the majority of candidates for these elections stand as representatives of political parties, anyone is entitled to stand as a candidate provided they meet the principal qualifications.

You can find out more details about standing for election and the principal qualifications (for both district and parish councils) on the Electoral Commission's website.

When is the next election?

The next district and parish council elections will take place in May 2023 unless a by-election is called to fill a vacant seat.

Election process

Once you have decided to stand for election as a councillor, you will firstly need to wait for local elections to be called. Candidates seeking to become district councillors must be nominated on a nomination paper signed by 10 registered electors (a proposer, seconder and eight assentors) from the ward in which you are to stand. If you stand for election as a parish councillor you only need two registered electors to sign your nomination paper (a proposer and seconder).

You must also submit your consent to nomination, which will need signing and witnessing.

If you are standing as a candidate for a registered political party you are also required to submit a certificate from the party's nominating officer authorising your candidacy and use of the party's description and emblem.

All these documents must be submitted to the Returning Officer by 4pm, 19 working days before polling day.

No deposit is required to stand as a candidate in an election to a local authority such as South Kesteven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get time off work?

This depends on your employer. Some employers are good at encouraging their employees to be councillors and allow time off within reason. You should always discuss this with your employer before standing as a councillor.

Will I get paid?

You will not get a salary but you will be entitled to receive certain allowances . The council also provides other kinds of support such as full training, business cards and access to IT equipment.

How much time will it take?

It depends on how much time, effort and commitment an individual is able to give to the role. The minimum is likely to be the equivalent of one day per week although some councillors spend considerably more time on their duties, especially if they have taken leading roles.

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