National lockdown: please stay at home
Warrington is subject to the current national lockdown restrictions - please stay at home. For more more information about what this means, visit our coronavirus web pages.
National lockdown: please stay at home
Warrington is subject to the current national lockdown restrictions - please stay at home. For more more information about what this means, visit our coronavirus web pages.
The national guidance says that under the current lockdown, leafleting and door-knocking by parties and candidates is not currently allowed.
The current guidance and restrictions on gov.uk also explain that many forms of campaigning can be carried out without increased face-to-face contact – including online campaigning, campaigning by telephone, and delivery of leaflets by post or other commercial delivery services.
We are in regular contact with the Electoral Commission as we await further national guidance, including information on face-to-face campaigning and organising, which we have been assured will be published before the beginning of the regulated election period.
The Electoral Commission has also developed an online survey to better understand the challenges currently facing candidates, parties and agents. Please complete the survey as it will help inform further national guidance and information.
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:
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.
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:
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.
If you are standing as an independent candidate, the Local Government Association (LGA) independent group can offer support and general advice.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
We also recommend you read the LGA's councillor’s guide.