The Role of a Councillor

Councillors play an important role. You will decide what is in the public interest amidst a range of conflicting issues and views. The main parts of a Councillor’s role are:

• Decision making – you’ll attend council meetings and committees, deciding which activities to support, where council funds should be spent, what services should be delivered and which policies should be put in place
• Monitoring – you’ll track how effective and efficient services are running and will raise any issues with officers and other Councillors.
• Getting involved locally - As local representatives, you will get involved in your local community, supporting events and initiatives that will benefit your constituents

Responsibilities include:

• Raising issues on behalf of members of the public
• Running surgeries -  giving residents the chance to raise issues in private, and in confidence
• Meeting with individual residents in their own homes
• Going to meetings held by local organisations
• Attending meetings of outside bodies affecting the wider community

Conducting yourself as a Councillor

As Councillors, you are leaders of our communities and are therefore expected to show: selflessness, honesty, integrity, leadership, accountability, openness, stewardship and respect for others.

These principles will help you in your wide-ranging and demanding roles.

Becoming a Councillor

When are the next local elections held?

Local elections are currently held in Warrington on an all-out basis every four years, with all 58 Council seats up for re-election. The next election scheduled to take place is on Thursday 6 May 2021. When standing for election you will need to consider whether you wish to stand as an Independent candidate, or as a candidate for a registered political party.

To stand as a candidate you need to:

• Complete a nomination paper. Get your nomination papers from the electoral commission website, by emailing the Electoral Services Team or calling 01925 442184
• Get ten signatures from people who are registered to vote in the ward where you want to stand, including a proposer and seconder.
• Sign the candidates consent to nomination and complete the registration of political parties’ certification if applicable. This should then be returned to the Returning Officer by the close of nominations which is no later than 4pm on the nineteenth day before the date of the election.

Party Candidates

If you are interested in standing as a candidate for a political party and are not already a member of that party, you will need to contact them separately.

Independent Candidates

If you are standing as an independent candidate, the Local Government Association (LGA) independent group can offer support and general advice.

Election Agents

Each candidate must appoint an election agent, although you can choose to act as your own agent. Amongst other things, your agent sees that the election campaign is conducted in line with the law, deals with expenses and generally organises the campaign’s activities.

Polling Day (Election Day)

Candidates are entitled to attend the opening of postal votes, polling stations (on polling day) and the counting of the votes (known as the count).

Candidates can also appoint polling agents and counting agents who may work on their behalf on polling day and or at the count. Postal voting agents can also be appointed to attend the opening of postal votes.

Support for Councillors

Officers provide councillors with a range of support to help carry out duties. You will be provided with office equipment like a mobile phone, computer, iPad and stationery. Supporting officers are based in the West Annex of the Town Hall. During your term of office you will form effective relationships with these officers through your attendance at meetings and with day-to-day support and activities provided by them.

Induction

Induction sessions are planned for all councillors to help you understand how the council is structured and what your new duties will be. It will also offer the chance for you to meet key senior officers, who can help, support and advise you in your role as an elected representative. Returning councillors are also welcome to attend the induction to refresh their knowledge.

Training and development opportunities

During your first few weeks as a councillor you will be invited to attend an informal interview with a senior officer to review skills, experience, personal goals and to agree areas for development. Throughout your term of office, you will be invited to take part in development opportunities tailored to your needs.

The councillor development forum, a cross party group of members, meet regularly to ensure the best support and development opportunities are provided for councillors.

What to expect in your early days

If successful, you are elected for a four year term. You will be asked to accept the office of councillor and the chief executive will witness this process. Once this has been done, you will start your duties. You will be expected to attend some or all of the following as part of your role as councillor:

• council meetings
• neighbourhood meetings
• scrutiny/policy meetings
• meetings of any external bodies that you have been asked to serve on eg voluntary organisations or public bodies

We also recommend you read the LGA's councillor’s guide.