If you wish to become a Borough Councillor you must be qualified to stand for election. The Local Government Act 1972 (section 79) sets out the qualifications for standing and the grounds for disqualification.
You must be over 21 to become a candidate and must either: -
You may be disqualified as a candidate if you work for the Council or hold a politically restricted post with another local authority. Bankruptcy or a previous criminal conviction with a three-month or more prison sentence would also disqualify you as a candidate.
Most candidates are nominated through a political party. However, individuals are welcome to stand in their own right. Before you can be accepted as a candidate you must get one person to agree to propose your nomination, another person to agree to second the proposal and a further eight people to sign your nomination paper. All of these people must be on the Electoral Register for the ward in which you are standing.
The Electoral Commision is an independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament. It aims to foster public confidence and participation by promoting integrity, involvement and effectiveness in the democratic process.
Click on the following link to access the Electoral Commission website for further information on becoming a candidate - Becoming a Candidate
If you require any advice or assistance with reqard to standing as a candidate in Sedgefield Borough.
Telephone: (01388) 824304Fax : (01388) 817251 Email : Exec@Sedgefield.gov.uk