Becoming a Councillor

Why become a Councillor?

A Councillor is elected to represent the people in his or her area. People become Councillors for different reasons. Some are already active in their local community, or want to help get things done in their neighbourhood.

Being a Councillor means that you could influence decisions that affect Buckinghamshire and its residents. This could include being involved in major decisions to do with planned housing developments or decisions that could help older people access local services. For instance, you could join with people in clearing up litter from the  local children’s park or you might be involved in supporting a residents housing committee get started. Most importantly, you would provide a voice for all the residents in your area.

‘What I enjoy is knowing that now and then I have been able to do something constructive and have helped others, be it an individual resident who has come to me with a problem I have got sorted, or the community at large benefiting through a proposal I have made being taken up’
Steven Kennell, Councillor for Aylesbury West.

Councillors come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Your skills and experiences could be just what we're looking for.  Everyone is needed, especially if you are one of the people under-represented in local democracy - maybe you are under 45, a woman or come from one of our ethnic communities.

Political party membership

You can stand as an independent member or as a candidate of a registered political party. If you decide you'd like to have the backing of a political party, you'll have to be selected as the party’s candidate before you stand for election and should contact that party.

If you want to stand as an independent member, you need to complete a nomination form which you can get from your local District Council.
Visit The Independent Group at the Local Government Association for more information.