LGA Liberal Democrat Group Elections 2025

We pride ourselves on our internal democracy as a group, and all who are Liberal Democrat Councillors on LGA member councils on 30 April this year have a right to stand if they wish as well as having the right to vote. 

This of course will include anyone who is a member of an authority who may find their term of office extended as a possible result of any local government re-organisation (although you would have to remain a Liberal Democrat Councillor after re-organisation). 

Any newly elected Liberal Democrat Councillors in May this year will have the right to vote, but will not be able to stand this time round.

The draft timetable (subject to approval by the Group Executive in March 2025) is:

• Nominations open – Thursday 8 May 2025
• Nominations close (with artwork) – Friday 23 May 2025, 5.00pm
• Ballot opens – Thursday 5 June 2025, 9.00am
• Ballot closes – Thursday 19 June 2025, 9.00am
• Results announced by close of play Friday 20 June 2025, 5.00pm

More information on the work of the LGA and our Liberal Democrats Group is available on our website.

Full election regulations and an example of the template you would be asked to sign should your election be successful can be seen on our website. Other information on where to upload your manifesto and details of proposer and seconder will be announced in due course.

Group Officers

The Liberal Democrats Group Executive is responsible for directing the Lib Dem Group’s work within the LGA. Within the Executive there will be Group Officers who will comprise the Leader, deputy leader, Chair and Whip. Where urgent decisions are needed, these will be taken by the group officers. The Executive comprises: the group officers plus the policy leads and the leads on fire, rural and urban issues.

Group Leader (also Vice Chair of the LGA)

The Group Leader is the principal representative of local government Liberal Democrats at the LGA. The post-holder is responsible for representing Lib Dem councillors in meetings with the party leader and most senior figures, the LGA group leaders and in the media. The Leader takes the Group’s nomination for Vice Chair of the LGA.

Deputy Leader

The deputy leader stands in for the Leader in his/her absence, but also has a specific role in looking out for future political opportunities or challenges. This includes identifying on key policy issues for the group and coordinating policy influence. The Deputy Leader takes the Group’s nomination for Deputy Chair of the LGA, should one be available, and one of the Group’s nominations to the LGA Board, should any be available. In the event that there are insufficient places on the executive, the Group funds the posts at the level of ordinary member of the LGA executive.

Group Chair

The Chair has responsibility for the monthly meetings of the Group Executive and takes a role in following up outcomes of the meetings.

Group Whip

The Whip works with the spokespeople to ensure they are making use of all opportunities they need to fulfil their role. They also have a role in acting on any concerns with attendance, fulfilment of roles or relations within the Group.

Policy Boards

As a board member you would have the chance to become involved in a specific policy area, using your expertise to influence party and LGA policy. You would be expected to attend meetings every two to three months, usually at the LGA offices in London although usually you will be able to join remotely from home or your council offices should you need to. For a current list of meeting times visit www.local.gov.uk

If you take up the lead member role you will become either the Vice or Deputy Chair on your board and be responsible for leading the group’s work in your area. Each policy lead will draw up an annual plan of what they will aim to achieve that will sit below the overarching strategy of the Group. They are expected to work with the Group to ensure that our policy and actions are coordinated and that we make best use of the opportunities that the government and Party provides.

Board numbers

Exact numbers for each board and committee will be confirmed prior to opening of nominations. We expect to take one Chair of a board or committee.

Boards and areas they have recently covered:

Children and Young People (currently three places and a substitute)

Safeguarding, early years, education, youth employment.

Community Wellbeing (currently three places and a substitute)

Social care, health, public health

Culture, Tourism and Sport (currently three places and a substitute)

Libraries, leisure centres, creative industries, tourism strategies

Local Infrastructure and Net Zero (currently three places and a substitute)

Housing strategy, sustainable communities, net zero, planning policy.

Improvement and Innovation (currently three places and a substitute)

Supports local authorities to improve performance.

Economy and Resources (currently three places and a substitute)

Local government finance commission, welfare reform, pay offers - also appoints to the employer side of the National Joint Councils. Also issues around regional economic growth and development.

Safer Communities (currently three places and a substitute)

Crime, anti-social behaviour, FGM

There are now also two boards that take a rural and urban perspective on the policy issues in the LGA.

City Regions (currently two places and a substitute)

Represents all core cities, key cities, London boroughs and members of Special Interest Group of Metropolitan Authorities (SIGOMA).

People and Places (currently four places and a substitute)

Represents all other areas

All candidates must be members of local authorities covered by the board for which they stand.

Fire Commission and Fire Services Management Committee (FSMC) (currently two places and a substitute)

Represent all fire authorities around the country

All candidates for Fire Lead and FSMC must be members of fire authorities that are members of the LGA.

A separate process outside of our Group Elections will take place to appoint Liberal Democrat places on the following positions: