Local Democracy

Becoming a councillor

A banner encouraging residents to become councillors at their local authority.

Candidates and Agents Briefing

We will be holding a briefing session for potential candidates and agents on Tuesday 7 March at the Council Offices, Symington Building in Market Harborough in the Council Chamber starting at 6pm. This will cover the changes to elections, the nomination process, the election campaign does and don’ts as well as an overview of the role of a councillor at Harborough. We will be answering questions throughout the evening.  

 

Local councils need councillors who want to make a difference and help shape the future of the local community. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to stand and reflect their communities.

Find out if you’re eligible to be a councillor: www.electoralcommission.org.uk

Being a councillor is highly rewarding. No other role gives you a chance to make such a huge difference to the quality of life of people in your local area and to influence the way issues are dealt with locally.

You don’t need to have any specific qualifications to stand as a councillor. Skills gained through work, raising a family, caring for relatives, volunteering or being active in community or faith groups are highly valuable. The Local Government Association (LGA) provides support, information, and training for all new councillors, as well as ongoing support for existing councillors of all levels.

We are reaching out to people who may not have considered standing before, or may have felt the opportunity wasn’t open to them. As long as you are 18 years old or over, a British or EU Citizen, and live or work in the district, you can stand.

Be inspired to make a positive difference in the Harborough district!

We will be running some information events for prospective candidates and will share details of these here soon.

For more information about how to stand, what the role involves and what the next steps are, check out these helpful resources:

Be a councillor

Common questions about becoming a councillor

Councillor case studies

Watch the video about becoming a councillor