Huntingdonshire District Council can only be as effective, relevant and vibrant as the people elected to run it. The council needs councillors who are capable, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people and a passion for change.
Huntingdonshire has a diverse mix of market towns and rural villages. As a district council, we provide a range of services to our residents, including refuse and recycling collection, car parking, leisure facilities, environmental health, planning and conservation, markets, parks and open spaces, elections, housing advice, housing benefit and council tax support as well as business growth support. What matters to you in the district? Whatever needs changing in your local area, you could be the person to change it by becoming a councillor.
Decisions made by councillors affect the lives of everyone in the area in countless ways. Representing a population of over 176,000 across the district, understanding the issues and concerns they face and taking action are the most important tasks that any councillor undertakes.
Local councillors are the elected representatives of Huntingdonshire District Council. They are elected for four years unless they are elected at a by-election, in which case they must stand again at the next normal election for the seat.
Representing people in Huntingdonshire, understanding the issues and concerns they face and taking action is the most important task that any councillor undertakes. Significantly, it is also often the role that local people value most.
Being a councillor in Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council is made up of 52 councillors who are elected every four years. They represent 26 wards across the District. The number of councillors for each ward depends upon the size of the electorate.
Local councillors are the elected representatives of Huntingdonshire District Council. This is an exciting and challenging time for the council, especially following the creation of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. As we continue to grow and meet the challenges ahead, the support of our councillors will be essential.
We have a vision for our future and our Corporate Plan sets out our priorities.
As a council, we are transforming the way we do business. Our Mosaic programme will help us to deliver continuous improvement, change and move towards a new and improved council. By doing this we will be putting our organisation in a position where we can predict and respond to whatever comes our way in the future and help our customers.
To become a councillor you have to stand at local elections and compete with other candidates to gain the most votes from the local electorate.
You do not have to belong to or represent a political party to stand in the elections. You can stand as an Independent Candidate or choose not to have a description to your name. If you choose to stand for a party you will need to go through their selection process before you can be put forward as their candidate. Get in touch for support with independent politics or party politics.
In order to stand at the elections you must first get a set of nomination papers from Electoral Services at Huntingdonshire District Council, which will explain the nomination process. These packs are available nearer the election date. Find out more about Huntingdonshire’s Electoral Services.
Councillors are not paid a salary but they are entitled to receive a ‘basic allowance’, which is intended to recognise the time devoted to their work on behalf of the people of Huntingdonshire and in connection with council business. Each council sets its own rate for councillors’ allowances.
Huntingdonshire District Council is committed to providing councillors with advice and support for all aspects of their role. After an election, all new councillors have the opportunity to attend an induction programme to enable them to meet the key people who will support them in their role and attend events to familiarise them with the work of the council, the expectations of councillors and ways in which they can carry out key tasks.
Councillors are also provided with ongoing learning and development support to broaden their knowledge, skills and confidence. In the first few weeks, experienced councillors will be available to guide you in getting to know the workings of the District Council and your role within it. Member Services will be your point of contact to signpost you round the council for the first couple of months. IT support is also given to all members.
An audio loop system is available in Council Chamber for people with a hearing impairment. Councillors are encouraged to contact Member Services following their election to discuss their personal needs so that reasonable adjustments can be made.
British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
At least 18 years old
Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.
If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should contact the electoral services department at your local council for advice.
You can’t be a councillor if you:
Work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a political restricted post
Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day
Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.
To become a councillor you have to put yourself forward at local elections and compete with other candidates to gain the most votes.
Below are some of the most important steps to consider.
Find out when the next local government elections are in your area by checking with your local council).
Make sure you are registered on the electoral roll with your local council.
If you are interested in independent politics (not a political party), you can get resources and advice from the Local Government Association’s Independent Office and the Independent Campaign Corner. As an independent, you will also need to start working out your views on local issues and services.
To stand for a political party, you’ll need to be a member of the party, get involved locally and go through their selection process before you can be put forward as their candidate for election. You can find out more on each party’s website. This can take up to about a year or more, so please contact your political party as soon as you can. You can also contact the Local Government Association (LGA) political offices.
Almost anyone can be a councillor but to check that you are eligible
Use our Be a Councillor worksheets to see how you would handle some real situations as a councillor
Explore, research and keep up to date about your local area, different communities, services, issues and ideas.
Attend council meetings and local events to find out more about local government and your community.
Read the guidance from the Electoral Commission about the processes and forms to fill out to put yourself forward for election. To become nominated as a candidate at a local government election in England, you need to submit a completed set of nomination papers to the place fixed by the Returning Officer by 4pm on the 19th working day before the poll.
Contact the Democratic Services team at your council to get the necessary paperwork, find out the deadlines, and see what help they can give to submit your papers. Find your local council.
You will need to get the signature of two registered electors from the ward you wish to stand in. They must be of voting age, and must appear on the local government electoral register that is in force on the 25th working day before the election.