Who Can Be a Councillor?

There are many reasons why people become councillors – to represent their community, raise an issue they feel passionate about, follow political ambitions or use their skills to help shape the future of the Council.

Councillors, also known as Elected Members, can come from many different backgrounds. In fact it is best if councillors are diverse to represent the nature of the public they are elected to serve.

Councillors do not need any qualifications; they come from a variety of backgrounds and if anything, life experience is the most important attribute a councillor can bring to the role.

• You must be over 18, a UK, EU or Commonwealth Citizen. You must also have been registered to vote in or have either worked or lived in the Borough for at least twelve months.
• Belonging to a political party is not necessary although the majority of people become councillors through this route. Some people stand as an independent separate from political parties.
• There are currently 52 Charnwood councillors: 32 Conservative, 13 Labour, 5 Liberal Democrat, 1 British National Party and 1 Independent.