How do I become a Councillor?

What matters to you in your local area?

Is it the state of the local park, the need for more activities for young people, improving services for older people, making the roads safer or ensuring that local businesses can thrive?

Whatever needs changing in your neighbourhood, you could be just the person to change it by becoming a local councillor.

No other role gives you a chance to make such a huge difference to quality of life for people in your local area.

Councillors role

As a Councillor you will be the voice of your constituents, with the opportunity to shape the future direction of Preston and be an ambassador for the Council. You will also have the opportunity to help and support your local constituents on a variety of issues including:

Meeting and consulting with residents and raising questions to the council on their behalf
Making decisions and influencing council policy at a range of forums including Full Council, Committees and Advisory Panels
Community leadership and engagement, such as campaigning on local issues, and encouraging citizen involvement in decision making
Representing the council and acting as an advocate for Preston on external bodies at sub-regional, regional and national level and reporting back to the council

What do I need to stand as a candidate?

Although the majority of candidates for these elections stand as representatives of political parties, there are no formal qualifications needed to become a councillor. However you must be:

Be a least 18 years old on both polling day and the day of nomination
Be either a British citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic, a citizen of the Commonwealth or a citizen of another member state of the European Union

You must also meet at least one of the following four qualifications:

be a registered elector in the area of Preston City Council
have lived in Preston City for the previous 12 months
occupied, as owner or tenant, any land or premises in Preston City for the last 12 months
have had your principal or only employment in Preston City for the last 12 months

A person cannot become a councillor if they:

You work for Preston City Council
You hold a politically restricted post for another local authority
Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 months or more within 5 years prior to the election
You have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices

How do I become a councillor?

So you have decided you want to take it further and put yourself forward as a candidate. You now need to decide whether you want to represent a political party or stand as an independent candidate.

If you want to represent a political party then the next step would be to get involved with the local party as soon as possible. The group leader information can be found below on this page.

If you are thinking of standing as an independent candidate you can contact Electoral Services on the details below, who will give advice on the next election and any questions you may have.

How do I receive more information

Local Government Association - Be A Councillor provides information for anyone thinking of becoming a Councillor, including personal profiles and useful resources available at Local Government Association - Resources.

If you wish to know more about how to stand for election as an Independent Councillor, please contact Electoral Services on electoralservices@preston.gov.uk or call 01772 906908.

However, if you would like to be a Councillor under the banner of a political party such as Labour, Conservative or Liberal Democrat, please contact the relevant Group Leaders below for more information: