How to Become a Councillor
Information on how to become a Councillor.
How do I become a Councillor?
Councillors are elected to serve a four year term of office. A third of Solihull's 51 Councillors are elected each year, with no borough Council elections held in the fourth year.
You can be a candidate if you are:
- Aged 18, and
- On the electoral register, or
- Have lived, worked or owned property in Solihull for at least a year at the time of being nominated.
You may be disqualified as a candidate if:
- You work for the Council
- You hold a politically restricted post with another local authority.
- You have been made bankrupt
- You have a previous criminal conviction with a three-month or more prison sentence.
Nominations
Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, individuals can stand as an independent councillor if they do not wish to be associated to a particular party.
How do I get nominated?
Each candidate must be nominated by a separate nomination paper, signed by 10 registered electors of the Ward in which you are to stand.
If you are standing as a candidate for a registered political party you would also be required to submit a certificate, from the party’s nominating officer, authorising your candidacy and use of the party’s description and emblem.
If you are standing independently, the ballot paper would either describe you as ‘Independent’ or give no description at all.
You must also give, in writing, your consent to your nomination.
You can also appoint an election agent to manage your campaign if you wish.
All these documents must be submitted in accordance with the deadlines specified in the election timetable.
Would I have to pay a deposit?
No deposit is required to stand as a candidate in an election in a local authority.
Further information is available on the Electoral Commission website.
Contact Details
For more information on standing as a Councillor, please contact the Elections Office on 0121 704 6042 or email election@solihull.gov.uk
Electoral Registration Officer
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
PO Box 18
Council House
Solihull
B91 9QS