City of Wolverhampton 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.
What matters to you in your local area? Is it providing more things for young people to do, improving services for older people, making the roads safer or ensuring that local businesses can thrive?
Whatever needs changing in your local area, you could be the person to change it by becoming a councillor.
It is a common misconception that you have to already be involved in politics to become a councillor. You don’t, councillors come from all walks of life and the thing they all have in common is an interest in improving the lives of their fellow citizens.
Perhaps you are already involved in local affairs and want to take the next step. Or you may be looking for a worthwhile and rewarding way to help your local community.
City of Wolverhampton Council can only be as effective, relevant and vibrant as the people elected to run it and with local elections taking place most years, there is always a need for new candidates. The council wants councillors who are capable, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people and a passion for change.
A city already on a transformational journey, with £3.7 billion of investment creating opportunities for local people, Wolverhampton is a fantastic city to live, work and visit.
Decisions made by councillors affect the lives of everyone in the area in countless ways. Representing a population of over 260,000, understanding the issues and concerns they face and taking action are the most important tasks that any councillor undertakes.
If you think being a City of Wolverhampton councillor could be for you, read on to find out more.
Local councillors are the elected representatives of City of Wolverhampton Council. There are 60 councillors who represent the 20 wards in the city. There are three councillors representing each ward.
City of Wolverhampton Council votes by thirds, which means that a third of councillors are elected every year over a four year cycle (with no elections in the fourth year).
Representing people in Wolverhampton, 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.
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 our contact page or the useful contacts section below.
Read the Be a Councillor Next Steps section below for more information
Visit our Becoming a councillor section to find out what a councillor does and what skills are required.
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 Wolverhampton and in connection with council business.
City of Wolverhampton 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 council and your role within it. Councillor Support will be your point of contact to signpost you round the council for the first couple of months. The Councillor Support Office provides a range of services for councillors including administrative and secretarial support, answering telephone calls, forwarding messages, a personal reception to visitors, handling councillors’ e-mails and mail (as requested), arranging and inputting meetings on councillors’ individual Outlook calendars, booking/attendance at conferences/seminars and organising travel arrangements. The office also arranges for councillors’ stationery, surgery posters and various other leaflets.
Tablet devices and mobile phones will be issued for newly elected councillors.
Councillors are encouraged to contact councillor support following their election to discuss their personal needs so that reasonable adjustments can be made.
For contact information about each of the political groups, please see: Wolverhampton Useful contacts tab and How do I become a councillor in Wolverhampton?
Our WV Insight website provides a comprehensive picture of Wolverhampton with vital data, statistics, analysis and reports.
Find out all about the City of Wolverhampton from demographics and equalities, to social care and health, housing and the environment.
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.
Build your local profile, reputation and campaign. Find out more about campaigning from the Local Government Association’s Independent Office, your political party, or the Electoral Commission.
Our annual Be a Councillor event will be held on Wednesday 23 November at 5.30pm. Please come along and find out more from our Councillors.