Parish Elections
Standing as a Candidate
The next Town & Parish Council elections will be held in May 2023. They are held once every four years, unless a casual vacancy arises in the meantime and an election is requested.
Being a Parish Councillor gives you the chance to make a difference to quality of life for people in your local area.
To become a candidate:
- You must be at least 18 years of age and
- You must be on the electoral register, or
- Have lived in the parish or within 4.8km of the parish for the previous 12 months, or
- Have worked or owned property in the parish for the previous 12 months.
Candidates may be disqualified if they are declared bankrupt or have a previous criminal conviction with a three-month or more prison sentence.
The nomination process
No experience is needed to stand for election as a Councillor. However, you must submit a nomination paper.
More information and the nomination pack can be found here:
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-and-community-council-elections-in-england-and-wales
Town and Parish Council nomination papers must be confirmed by a Proposer and Seconder who support your nomination to stand as a candidate. Everyone signing the nomination paper must be included on the Register of Electors for the Ward or electoral area in which the election is to be held.
Does it cost money to become a candidate?
There is no charge to stand as a candidate in Town and Parish Council elections. However, there are strict rules on the amount and manner in which expenses are incurred by the candidate and how they are paid. The amount depends on the type of election and there is a limit on how much a candidate can spend. Because of these rules a detailed return has to be submitted showing exactly how much and in what circumstances a candidate has incurred expenditure. Expenses are non-refundable.