Becoming a councillor is an extremely 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.
If you are interested in becoming a councillor and getting involved as a volunteer for the Conservative Party, you can let us know by clicking here and selecting your region.
Could you become a councillor?
To be eligible you must be:
- A British subject or a citizen of the Irish Republic 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.
- Have lived or worked in that council area for at least the last twelve months.
Becoming a Conservative Party council candidate
To be nominated to stand as a Conservative Party council candidate, you need to be a member of the Conservative Party. For information on how to join the Party, please click here.
The Ashford Constituency Conservative Association will manage the selection process for council candidates.
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 us, 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. They 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 one of our Association Officers for more information.
You can also talk to a sitting Conservative councillor in your area, for a better understanding of the work of a councillor and the commitment involved.