How to stand for election to a District Council

From Camlink

Party affiliation

A candidate may stand as a member of a political party, or as an independent Councillor.

Eligibility

To become a Councillor a person must be:

• at least 21 years old and a British citizen, or

• a citizen of the Irish Republic, the Commonwealth or another member state of the European Union on both the day of nomination and election day.

They must also meet at least one of the following four qualifications on the day they are nominated and election day:

• They are a registered local government elector

• They have occupied, as owner or tenant, any land or premises in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months

• They have had their principal or only place of work in the local authority area.

• They have lived in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months.

Disqualification

A person is disqualified from election to the Council if he or she:

• Is employed by or holds a paid office under that local authority (including joint boards or committees).

• Is subject to a bankruptcy restriction order.

• Has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (including a suspended sentence) without the option of a fine, during the five years before the day of election.

• Has been disqualified under Part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983 or under the Audit Commission Act 1998.

• Has been convicted or reported guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

Additionally, the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 defines a number of politically restricted posts under a local authority, holders of which are disqualified from election to, and membership, of a local authority.

Nominations

Candidates must be proposed and seconded by two electors and eight other electors (called assentors). These electors must be on the Electoral Register for the Ward where the candidate wishes to stand.

Consent

For a nomination to be valid the candidate must agree in writing. This must be witnessed and delivered to the Returning Officer by the close of nominations.

Procedure

For further information, or to submit a nomination, contact the Democratic Services department of your District Council:

Cambridge City Council
East Cambridgeshire District Council
Fenland District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council

Next page: The duties of a District Councillor.